As world leaders convene for COP29 in Azerbaijan, the urgency of climate action mounts with fossil fuel emissions projected to hit record highs. Despite commendable efforts, such as the UK closing its last coal power plant and growing renewables, challenges persist with increasing fossil fuel projects and mixed progress in electric vehicle adoption and deforestation control. A recent UN report suggests current policies may lead to a concerning 3C warming by the century’s end, far exceeding the 1.5C target set in Paris.