Luca Campion graduated with great distinction in June 2019 with a Master's degree in Business Engineering from Hasselt University, specializing in Technology in Business. During his master's studies, he gained valuable consultancy experience through an internship. After graduating, he remained affiliated with Hasselt University, working as a doctoral researcher in the Environmental Economics research group. In both his master's thesis and his doctoral research, Luca focused on integrating techno-economic and life cycle analysis, particularly in the context of biochar, a biobased technology for carbon dioxide removal. In February 2024, Luca joined the strategic team at Econopolis as a Climate Consultant.
Climate metrics that matter: tracking 2025’s progress
Last week, we examined the state of climate change and the challenges and opportunities that 2025 brings. This week, we delve into the indispensable tools guiding our climate efforts: metrics. It’s said that “measuring is knowing,” and in the fight against climate change, knowing where we stand is crucial. Six key indicators offer insight into our progress and setbacks:
- Global Temperature
The average global temperature serves as a direct indicator of climate change, reflecting the cumulative impact of greenhouse gas emissions. This metric, central to the Paris Agreement, highlights our progress toward or deviation from the critical threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Innovative measures like the Current Global Warming Level provide real-time insights, blending past data and future projections to sharpen our understanding of warming trends.
- Ocean Heat Content
Our oceans act as climate buffers, absorbing over 90% of the heat generated by greenhouse gases. The El Niño event of 2024 underlined the interconnectedness of oceanic temperatures with global weather patterns and marine ecosystems. Changes in this metric directly influence sea-level rise, storm intensity, and biodiversity.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The volume of emissions such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide directly ties human activity to climate change. To keep the 1.5°C goal alive, the world must achieve a remarkable 8% annual reduction in emissions until 2034. Lessons from the 2020 pandemic illustrate the scale of effort required, as emissions decreased by only 7% in that year. The satellite mission of the ESA mentioned in last week’s edition can be a great enabler of monitoring this indicator.
- Atmospheric CO2 Levels
Atmospheric carbon dioxide, measured in parts per million, reveals the persistent challenge of reducing emissions. Current trends in this long-lived greenhouse gas underscore the necessity of immediate action and the importance of technological solutions to curb emissions at their source.
- Arctic and Antarctic Ice Extent
The shrinking ice coverage at Earth’s poles symbolizes the stark reality of global warming. Melting polar ice contributes to sea-level rise and intensifies warming through reduced solar reflectivity. The loss of these ice reserves also disrupts ecosystems critical to polar wildlife.
- Sea Level Rise
Rising sea levels, driven by melting ice and thermal expansion (the warmer the oceans, the more volume they take up), pose an existential threat to coastal communities and ecosystems worldwide. Representing one of the most tangible outcomes of climate change, this metric is a sobering reminder of the urgency for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Tracking these six metrics provides clarity in the complex fight against climate change, helping policymakers, businesses, and individuals align their efforts with global goals. As these indicators evolve, they will continue to shape our understanding and inform our actions. Connect with our team to explore how you can contribute to climate resilience and innovation. Together, we can turn data into meaningful progress.
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