The worst of times.. but also, the best

We live amidst paradoxes. On the one hand, we are — all of us, gentle reader — at war with our home. As we add layer upon layer of needs and greeds on our existence, we tear a few more strips off Earth’s skin or land an extra punch on its firmament. The more fossil fuelled-electricity we use, the more we drive or fly thus, the more meat we eat, land we burn and plastic we discard, the more Earth suffers. Our fossil fuel emissions — the ongoing COP29 climate summit estimates global carbon dioxide emissions reached 41.6 billion metric tons in 2024 — from activities both essential and escapist are wrapping Earth in a deadly haze. This traps heat, raising Earth’s temperature — the World Meteorological Organisation finds global temperature 1.54ºC above the pre-industrial average, 2024 heading to being the warmest year in history. This is literally making Earth melt — Antarctic sea ice is at its second-lowest level while oceans have risen by 111 mm from 1993 to 2024, this rate doubling in 31 years. Alongside, temperature rise is spurring extreme weather events — 2024 has seen apocalyptic rain flooding Delhi to Valencia, deadly wildfires blazing across South America and hurricanes hitting North Carolina.
It doesn’t seem an exaggeration to think humanity has wounded Earth indelibly. Yet, we also stand before the best of times. Most importantly, many of us now know the links between fossil fuels and choking pollution, species destruction and fatal warming. This was not privy to the public earlier — just some years ago, entrenched interests were hushing up climate science at educational institutions. Today, nations know more of the data explaining our existence — and many are prepared to make amends with Earth. While India’s total renewable energy installed capacity increased by an impressive 13.5% in 2024, the International Energy Agency estimates green energy in power, heat and transport worldwide will rise by 60%, renewables in final energy consumption going from 13% to 20% by 2030. The transition is still painfully slow — UNEP stresses emissions must fall 42% by 2030. However, at least we now know it’s essential.
Efforts in this direction will meet obstacles — but they will not remain unchallenged. As Times Evoke’s global experts emphasise, more people learning the history — and potential future — of a world swathed in perilous power means more demand for alternatives. Fortunately, we live in an ag of invention where satellites to AI can help. Join Times Evoke in exploring humanity’s relationship with Earth — with its sicknesses and health, scarcities and plenty, wars and peace and its ability for happiness to vanquish despair, this also evokes, dear reader, the story of your life.