The Climate Clock initiative launched on September 19th, 2020. Gan Golan and Andrew Boyd founded it after being inspired by the famous Doomsday Clock. The idea behind the Climate Clock was to provide a clear and urgent visual representation of the time remaining to take meaningful action against climate change. The initial installation was displayed on the Metronome in Union Square. At first, it used to show the time in multiple formats, but then shifted to a countdown, hoping to grab attention and call for action. Now, these clocks are installed all around the world, in Berlin, New York, Seoul, Rome, and Glasgow.
In Glasgow, the Climate Clock was unveiled ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, reinforcing the urgency of global climate change.
The Climate Clock’s function is to make the climate crisis more tangible and immediate for everyone who sees it. In terms of design, the Climate Clock is a large digital display. It features two main numbers: the countdown timer and the percentage of the world’s energy currently coming from renewable sources. The countdown timer is based on scientific data from the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change. They use current emission rates to estimate how much time we have left before we exceed the carbon budget, which is the amount of carbon dioxide we can still emit while having a chance to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Overall, it is a way to visualize the urgency and scale of the climate crisis, making it clear how little time we have to act.
According to the 2024 State of the Climate report by the World Meteorological Organization, this year has reached many records. The consistent rise in greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere shows how fast our climate system is changing within just one generation, which in turn is causing more long-term temperature increases. We are headed towards 2024 becoming the hottest year ever, joining 2023 as the two hottest years on record. Ocean heat content values continued to rise in 2023 and 2024, driving strong storms and contributing to other changes in the climate system, such as rising sea levels. 2024 has also seen a significantly smaller amount of sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The future depends on our reaction time. Technological innovations will play a critical role in this effort. Advancements in renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Thankfully, measures are being put in place by America. On January 27, 2024, President Joe Biden established the Climate Policy Office, which plays a crucial role in coordinating the federal government’s efforts to tackle climate change. It was established to ensure that climate considerations are integrated across all areas of policy-making. The office works on developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and build resilience to climate impacts. It also collaborates with state and local governments, as well as international partners, to advance climate goals and ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the climate crisis. President Biden’s Executive Order 14057, Catalyzing Clean Energy Industries and Jobs Through Federal Sustainability, was signed later that year on December 8th, 2021. It states that the Federal Government will work to achieve a nationwide net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Aside from the measures taken by the government, there are many other ways that people just like you have helped. Elon Musk and his company, Tesla, have revolutionized the electrical vehicle market, making electrical vehicles more mainstream and accessible. Many other car companies like BMW and Ford have also shifted to producing cars that run on electricity rather than fossil fuels, which are big contributors to global warming. Another way to help can be by reducing food waste, and shifting towards plant-based diets that can lower emissions from agriculture. Even if changing your way of living isn’t your thing, staying educated is the most important factor. Stay conscious of your actions, and help guide others in a more eco-friendly way of life.
