Facing the Climate Crisis: Challenges and Opportunities in 2025

As we confront the escalating challenges of climate change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. Yet, every small action we take holds immense potential to drive meaningful change. From reducing waste and conserving energy to supporting clean energy initiatives and making sustainable lifestyle choices, individual efforts collectively create a ripple effect that can significantly impact global emissions. 

2025: A Year of Challenges and Opportunities

In 2025, the urgency to act is more evident than ever as we grapple with increasingly severe climate events. 2024 marked the hottest year in recorded American history, surpassing 2023, which held the previous record for the hottest year on record. This relentless escalation of global climate change is heating the oceans, raising global temperatures, and destabilizing natural systems. The result is a cascade of extreme weather events: catastrophic flooding, raging wildfires, and devastating storms. Hurricane Helene’s recent destruction in Asheville, NC, and the ongoing fires in California are stark reminders of the reality we face. 

Meeting the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C—or well below 2°C—requires halving global emissions by 2030. Despite this urgent need, we remain far from achieving the necessary progress. With global temperatures already nearing the 1.5°C threshold, the era of supercharged climate events will likely persist for years.

We Need to Hit the Emergency Brakes

We are in a “climate nexus”—a critical period where emissions remain stubbornly high due to increasing energy demands and the gradual pace of clean energy deployment. Solutions such as clean energy infrastructure and carbon removal technologies are on the horizon but will take time to make a meaningful impact.

1. Clean Energy Development: Significant progress is underway, but large-scale deployment won’t be transformative until the 2030s.
2. Carbon Removal Projects: Promising advancements are in motion, but widespread impact is unlikely before the 2040s.

No one knows how long this challenging phase will last, but it could easily last 10–15 years, underscoring the importance of immediate action.

Project Drawdown’s recent article, Hitting the “Emergency Brake” on Climate Change, highlights the actions humanity needs to take to get back on track. 

Drawdown’s insightful article includes graphs that show where we are and what we need to do to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal.  Their founder, Dr. Jonathan Foley, sketches a path forward, detailing four key levers to help us curb our current trajectory.  

Meeting the Paris Agreement’s target of a 50% reduction in U.S. emissions by 2030 requires annual decreases of approximately 7.6%—a daunting goal. Adding to the challenge is a world awash in misinformation and political divisiveness. Yet amidst the noise, we must find focus and continue making small, meaningful changes.

Climate Action, No Matter How Small

As individuals, we have little control over governmental and business emissions decisions. Recent climate progress may seem in jeopardy with America’s shifting political landscape. However, as members of the One Planet Community know, we firmly believe in the power of individual action. Our small choices can create a ripple effect, sparking a wave of significant change.

In his article, Foley recommended three ways to change our climate trajectory quickly: reduce deforestation, reduce highly potent, short-lived climate pollutants like methane and black carbon, and reduce waste and increase efficiency. OPL has translated Foley’s “Emergency Brake” recommendations into actions individuals can take to support larger efforts.

In a subsequent article, Dr. Jonathan Foley recommended “4 waves of climate action” from Project Drawdown’s framework to help stimulate emissions reduction.  Many of the Joyful Changes found on the One Planet Life app can be tied back to these key actions and contribute to larger global efforts.

1. Emergency Brakes: Immediate, low-cost actions that deliver the largest impact.
2. New Infrastructure: Accelerate the development of clean energy and sustainable systems.
3. Natural Sinks: Double down on nature-based solutions to capture carbon.
4. New Technologies: Innovate and deploy advanced carbon removal solutions.

Every Individual Effort Counts

If each of us reduces 1 ton of CO2 annually, we can collectively make a significant difference. The One Planet Life app makes it easy for you to track how your sustainable choices are adding up.  If one thousand OPL community members consistently achieve their goal to reduce 1 ton of CO2 yearly, we will eliminate 5,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere by 2030.  That’s huge!

Building a Community of Change Through Responsible Living

At One Planet Life, we believe in the power of individual responsibility and collective action. Together, we can reduce waste, care for our planet, and inspire kindness. Small, consistent efforts add up to significant change, creating a ripple effect that touches families, friends, and communities.

If you’re already part of our community, thank you for your dedication. If you’re new, welcome! Let’s continue learning, taking action, and tracking our progress as we work toward a healthier planet.

The challenges are immense, but so is our capacity for resilience and innovation. Let’s stay focused, support one another, and create a brighter future—one step at a time.