Countries around the world are lining up to make net zero climate pledges. Here, three prominent earth scientists share their doubts about the “fantasy world” the idea of net zero has brought, and the costs for climate action.

The Leaders Climate Summit offered a rare spark of hope. However, writes Anthony Burke, without new mechanisms the Paris Agreement might still fail.

As pressure for deep global emissions cuts heats up, both the developed North and industrializing South need to attend to climate and social justice. By Prakash Kashwan and Praneeta Mudaliar.

India may be considering a net zero climate target in advance of COP26. But it confronts a range of challenges on the way to becoming a responsible climate power. By Dhanasree Jayaram.

In Australia, government has ignored the challenge of industry diversification and just transitions from fossil fuels. A new trade union-environmentalist alliance wants to change that. By Georgina Woods.

There is no vaccine for climate disruptions, writes Simon Dalby. He calls for reformed institutions that can protect people and ecosystems into the long-term future.