ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) One Planet, Shared Future: Why Climate Change Requires International Cooperation

Written By Ms. Mahnoor Fayaz, a Participant of ICSF-SBBWU Fellowship Programme 2026-2027

“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”-

Robert Swan

ISLAMABAD (Urdu Times) We all live on one planet. We depend on atmosphere, oceans gives food, climate influence our daily lives no matter on which part of the earth we live. A storm that forms in one part of the world can bring rain and on another part a drought. This simple truth is the biggest challenge of our time that it is time to deal with climate change. It is a challenge that no single country can solve alone and that is exactly why nations need to work together. 

Climate Change is the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere which are able to trap heat. These gases are produced from a variety of sources including combustion of coal, oil and gas, for energy. The key issue is that it is not important where these gases are emitted. They put into the air and spread throughout the planet once they are there.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that carbon dioxide emissions from all energy uses in 2024 will be approximately 37.8 billion tons, the highest level ever recorded. The impact is widespread. As sea level rise it puts island nations and coastal areas both at risk. Farmers on all continents are affected by heat waves, floods and seasonal variations. The responsibility is to be shared because the cause is shared, the effects are shared.

The Paris Agreement was adopted by almost all the world’s countries in 2015 during a climate conference of the UN. There are currently 194 members of UN climate framework that are a part of this agreement (as of early 2026). It aims at keeping global temperature rise below 2°C and strives to limit it to 1.5°C.

It is the spirit of this agreement that is unique. Every country has its own plan, which reflects its capacity and shares it with other countries. The more developed countries have also committed themselves to providing financing and technology to the developing countries so as no one is left behind. This is an example of best cooperation.

Cooperation should not be just in written. It is also a matter of knowledge sharing, tools and new ideas. If one nation finds a more effective means of creating clean energy, the other nations can benefit. Countries and businesses have adopted solar panels, wind turbines and electric vehicles at a more rapid pace due to the trickle-down effect of learning from other countries and companies.

The share of renewable energy and nuclear power combined in terms of electricity capacity growth accounted for over 50% of the world’s growth in 2024. An International Energy Agency forecast of global renewable power capacity expansion has jumped nearly 4,600 Gigawatts (GW) over the next five years, nearly double the increase over the previous five. These gains demonstrate the power of a dynamic that can be achieved when markets, governments and researchers on both sides of a border work together. The costs of clean energy are, at the very least, dropping and its availability is increasing, all of which has been brought about by the efforts of all.

Cooperation is more likely to last if it’s done in a fair manner. In some countries, for a long time, they have been relying on the fossil fuels to promote their wealth. There are others who are just starting up their economies and whose needs for affordable energy remain. A well thought out, caring plan will consider these differences.

Trust and friendship is what is most important here. If countries work as collaborators and not competitors, then the agreements will be more meaningful and promises easier to fulfill. Climate talks also create opportunities for strengthening relations in the areas of trade, science and culture. There’s a lot more work to be done and a long road to go. However, the way forward is definite and promising. Each step forward, each meeting, each project and each new clean energy plant is a step toward a healthy Earth. Sometimes things will seem slow, but every year we have new tools and working together even more effectively.

It is after all, one family in one house. The sun, the moon and the earth are gifts we have the opportunity to share. So, there is a lot more care required to save the earth for the children of today and generations to come by sharing responsibilities, opting for cooperation instead of division and being patient, respectful and kind towards each other, the world can save the climate. One planet – one shared future – created together.