Are we on the right track for mitigating climate change?

Abstract

Climate change, primarily driven by human activities, is becoming one of the most urgent global challenges of our time. Over the past decade, significant efforts have been made to address the climate change crisis, resulting in certain impacts in combating climate change and raising awareness about its consequences. This paper critically assesses global climate mitigation efforts, highlighting both achievements and persistent shortcomings. Despite growth in renewable energy, international agreements, and technological innovation, as well as a carbon market, greenhouse gas emissions remain at record highs, and climate impacts continue to accelerate. Key strategies that predominantly rely on a growth-oriented paradigm and technological solutions have fallen short, often reinforcing existing exploitation paradigms rather than transforming them. Drawing on Granular Interaction Thinking Theory (GITT), the paper proposes transitioning from an eco-deficit to an eco-surplus culture—one that views ecological restoration and protection as fundamental for socio-economic well-being and development. Mitigating climate change requires not only scaling proven solutions but also reimagining socio-economic and governance structures to align with planetary boundaries and long-term sustainability.