We face multiple crises. Leaving climate change unchecked will make them worse

In the year 2024, the world faces a multitude of crises, with climate change emerging as a particularly pressing issue. The annual UN climate conference, held in Antalya, Turkey, has garnered little international attention compared to the grandeur of Cop28 in Dubai two years prior. A pandemic, two wars, two energy shocks, and the looming threat of robot overlords have overshadowed efforts to maintain a livable global environment.

In the United States, the Democrats' recent mid-term election victory can be attributed to voter discontent over high energy prices, inflation, the war with Iran, the growth of data centers, and the administration's approach to immigration enforcement. While artificial intelligence holds immense promise, concerns have been raised about the energy and water consumption of data centers, which are largely powered by natural gas.

Despite the focus on climate change and green energy, the Democratic campaign has largely been silent on these issues. In the UK, the Green Party has seen a sharp decline in opinion polls since briefly holding second place in March, while the far-right AfD Party in Germany opposes major environmental policies, supports coal, and dismisses climate change as harmless.

The Middle East and North Africa region is expected to face more severe droughts due to high and rapid global heating. The breakdown of the Atlantic Ocean circulation could lead to much colder winters in Europe, while the Indian monsoon could shift south, parching crops. These impacts could trigger political unrest, mass migration, civil wars, and international conflicts, exacerbating the already weakened state of international cooperation.

To mitigate these challenges, it is essential to invest in renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and energy efficiency measures. The Gulf region has demonstrated progress in solar power, with record-low prices and the development of the world's first large 24-hour solar and battery plant. However, green politicians and environmental campaigners must find a balance between environmental concerns and the need for energy security, economic growth, and the advancement of technological breakthroughs like artificial intelligence.