climate summit 2025: promises and progress

By: Emily Hill, December 8, 2025

The 2025 UN Climate Summit wrapped up this week, and even though these meetings usually get a mix of excitement and eye rolls, this one actually felt a little different. Leaders from around the world showed up with a sense of urgency that has not always been there in past years. And honestly, with record heat, extreme storms, and wildfires becoming the new normal, it was about time.

One of the biggest focuses this year was money, specifically who is paying for what. Developing countries have been asking wealthier nations for years to step up and help fund climate adaptation, since they are often the ones hit hardest even though they contribute the least to global emissions. At this summit, countries agreed to expand funding for climate resilience projects, like building safer infrastructure and protecting vulnerable communities. It is not a perfect solution, but it is a step forward.

Another major topic was cutting emissions faster. Several countries updated their climate goals, promising bigger reductions by the early 2030s. Some nations rolled out new plans for renewable energy, electric transportation, or limiting the use of fossil fuels. The big question, as always, is whether these promises turn into real action or just stay on paper.

The summit also highlighted the growing role of young people and activists in pushing climate policy. From protests outside the venue to students speaking on panels inside, the message was clear: people want accountability, and they are not afraid to call out leaders who drag their feet.

In the end, the 2025 summit did not magically fix the climate crisis, but it did show a stronger global push toward real action. Whether the world actually follows through is something we will all be watching, especially since the next decade is make or break for the planet.