Climate Change: The Defining Development Challenge of the Twenty-First Century

Introduction: Climate Change Beyond an Environmental Issue

The twenty-first century has witnessed unprecedented scientific advancement, economic growth, and technological innovation. Yet, alongside these achievements, humanity faces an existential challenge that transcends national boundaries—climate change. No longer confined to environmental discourse, climate change has evolved into a development challenge that influences economic growth, food security, public health, water availability, energy systems, and global peace. As the World Meteorological Organization observes, rising temperatures and increasing climate variability are becoming the "new normal," demanding that develo