The heat is unbearable.

In recent months, headlines have screamed about “global boiling,” a terrifying new reality where temperatures are breaking records across the globe. Nigeria is no exception. The sun is extremely hot than ever, farmlands are drying, and life is becoming hard for millions daily. Yet, as communities struggle to adapt, climate change policies, which are supposed to protect our future, remain stuck in political arguments and endless paperwork.

Politicians and policymakers gather in conference halls and global conferences, making promises that usually fade as quickly as they are made; real action is often delayed, watered down, or blocked by hidden agendas. It makes me wonder: Who is shaping our climate future? Are we guided by well-thought-out policies grounded in science, or are we caught in a web of political games and empty promises? The answer will decide how well we fight the climate crisis.

Where Are We Now?

Leaders worldwide have signed agreements like the Paris Agreement, vowing to cut carbon emissions and switch to clean energy. But what is happening on the ground tells a different story. In 2023, global carbon emissions hit a record high of 36.8 billion metric tons despite all the climate promises. Many governments still approve new oil and gas projects while claiming to support green energy.

Wealthy nations pledged $100 billion every year to help poorer countries cope with climate change. But since that promise was made in 2009, they have never met the target. In 2022, only $83.3 billion was delivered, leaving vulnerable countries to face floods, droughts, and rising temperatures with little support.

When Politics Gets in the Way of Progress

Climate policies should focus on saving the planet, but too often, they get used as tools for political gain. Some governments treat climate change as a topic for political debates rather than a crisis that needs urgent action.

In Brazil, when President Lula da Silva came into power, he promised to protect the Amazon rainforest after years of destruction under his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. At first, deforestation dropped. But recent reports show the numbers are climbing again, making people question whether promises are enough without strong action.

In Australia, climate action has been a political tug-of-war. Different governments have introduced and repealed policies to cut emissions, creating a cycle of progress and setbacks. This constant back-and-forth has slowed down Australia’s climate response and left the country behind in its green commitments.

In Africa, Nigeria’s Climate Change Act aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2060. It sounds great on paper, but progress is painfully slow. Policies lack proper enforcement, and without enough funding, they risk becoming just words. Many African nations depend on international support for their climate plans. When that support is delayed or doesn’t come at all, progress stalls.

The Slow Machinery of Bureaucracy

Even when good climate policies exist, endless paperwork and government delays hold them back. Clean energy projects and adaptation plans get stuck in long approval processes, slowed down by poor coordination and, sometimes, corruption.

For example, solar energy projects in Nigeria can take up to five years to get approved, even though the country has some of the best solar potential in the world. In the meantime, communities remain dependent on dirty energy sources, making climate goals harder to reach.

Who Really Has the Power?

While politicians argue, everyday people are stepping up. Climate action is being driven more and more by community groups, businesses, and activists who refuse to wait for slow-moving governments.

In Kenya, local communities have planted millions of trees, restoring degraded land with little help from the government. Globally, youth-led movements like this have pushed climate change onto political agendas and made sure leaders can’t ignore it. Even some big companies are making bold moves; over 300 major companies have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

How Do We Move Forward?

If we are serious about fighting climate change, we need policies that are based on science, not politics. Here is what must happen:

• Enforce the Rules: Governments need to create laws that have real consequences when climate promises aren’t kept.
• Cut the Red Tape: Fast-track climate projects so they don’t get stuck in endless approval processes.
• Pay Up: Richer countries must deliver on their financial promises to help developing nations.
• Raise Your Voice: Everyone has a role to play. Stay informed, speak up, and push leaders to act.

Climate change is too urgent to be treated like a political game. Our future depends on real action. The question is, will our leaders step up, or will they let bureaucracy and power struggles hold us back?