We’re running out of chances to save the planet from climate change – but here’s how it can be done

Developed countries in particular must aim for net-zero emissions before 2050. With the right action in the UK, that could be possible by 2045

Three years ago, world leaders signed the Paris climate agreement, committing to keep global temperature rises well below 2C and to pursue efforts to keep them below 1.5C. It was signed at the annual United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) conference of the parties – the COP. Paris was COP 21; this weekend, COP 24 opens in the Polish town of Katowice.

Ministers and officials come together at COP to agree international action to tackle climate change. Unlike 2015, when world leaders negotiated up to the wire before a dramatic moment of agreement, this won’t be a dramatic occasion. But it’s no less important.

The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report made clear the impacts of climate change on nature could be irreversible if the planet warms more than 1.5C. Climate change is wreaking havoc on nature and wildlife, on people’s lives, livelihoods and homes in all parts of the world. This will only get worse without urgent action.

Paris was a huge step. But as with any treaty or contract, the devil lurks in the detail – how you will do what you said, and how you are held to account. At the moment, countries’ contributions under Paris put us on course for 3C of warming, and the agreement’s rulebook is not yet finalised. So, over the next two weeks, COP must agree on three crucial things.

Firstly, there must be stronger climate action. We need commitment in Katowice that countries come back in two years’ time, to the 2020 COP, with “nationally determined contributions” that add up to keeping warming to 1.5C.

Secondly, negotiators in Poland must agree a rulebook that provides transparency and accountability, setting the terms for countries to return every five years with ever stronger climate ambitions and plans.

And thirdly, there must be a commitment to accelerated and enhanced action from developed countries to cut emissions rapidly over the next few years, and to deliver on the promise of $100bn for the green climate fund by 2020.

In short, we’re running out of time to avoid climate breakdown. Developed countries in particular must aim for net-zero emissions before 2050. Here in the UK, WWF just showed how that is possible by 2045. So that’s what we’re looking for at COP: political leadership to fight for our world, and strong commitment to a global deal for people and nature.

Gareth Redmond-King is the head of climate and energy at WWF