As we put to bed these pages, the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties is about to conclude. Held in the UK this year, the climate summit – popularly referred to as COP26 – aimed to accelerate action towards achieving goals identified in the Paris Agreement as well as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. While the summit has attracted the global media since late October this year, climate change and the attendant crises rarely manage to gather a fraction of that attention throughout the year. That is sad, and only a poor reflection of the collective priorities we have set for ourselves.

There is little when it comes to actionable progress. But that is not just limited to governments in terms of political commitment and willingness, policy, finances and action. While those in the corridors of global power are by all means more accountable than the common folk, perhaps it would not be unfair to account for the general lack of initiative, concern and awareness. It is also heartening still to hear of individuals and communities working to tackle climate challenges.

In our Special Report, experts argue the need for diversity, initiative, and above all the dire need for developed countries to take meaningful action beyond ambitious pledges and political slogans. Only then will we get beyond the “blah, blah, blah” towards a world united for a greener future.