OF all the challenges facing governments today, from the cost-of-living crisis to the war in Ukraine, this week's Cop27 conference in Egypt offers a sobering reminder of by far the greatest threat to our way of life.
The UN climate summit sees world leaders gather in the shadow of another year of record temperatures and devastating weather events linked to global warming.
Last summer was the hottest on record in Europe, with temperatures topping 40 degrees for the first time in England.
However, it is poorer countries who have contributed least to climate change which are bearing the brunt of its impact, as demonstrated by recent flooding in Pakistan which killed more than 1,700 people and left millions homeless.
At the Cop26 gathering in Glasgow last year, governments committed to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst consequences of global warming.
The UN has warned there is currently no credible pathway to meet this goal. Or, as Secretary General António Guterres bluntly put it yesterday, "We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator."
The soaring cost of energy since Russia's invasion of Ukraine has at least placed greater focus on the potential for renewable sources to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
British prime minister Rishi Sunak called yesterday for delivery on promises made in Glasgow as part of a "global mission for new jobs and clean growth".
However, his authority has been undermined by his initial decision not to attend the summit, as well as plans to issue more licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
One positive development in Northern Ireland was the passing of a climate change bill in the dying days of the assembly, ending the region's unwanted status as the only area of the UK or Ireland without such legislation.
Having committed to reaching 'net zero' by 2050, tough targets will now have to be set to cut emissions in individual sectors including the sensitive areas of agriculture and transport.
And as well as having to ensure their own house is in order, rich countries like the UK are being asked to do much more to help developing nations pursue greener economies while dealing with the consequences of climate change.
Decisions taken this week will bear heavily on future generations and history will judge us very harshly if we fail to show the necessary urgency and resolve.
