I am concerned by climate scientists becoming climate activists, because scholars should not have a priori interests in the outcome of their studies. Likewise, I am worried about activists who pretend to be scientists, as this can be a misleading form of instrumentalization.

Scientists have much to contribute to the growing social movements pushing for urgent and transformative change to address the climate and biodiversity crises. Depending on their skills, interests and circumstances, scientists can actively participate in social movements as members (whether on the streets or behind-the-scenes), endorse and facilitate these movements in their professional capacity and within their institutions, and build social movement effectiveness through research and teaching.

Transformational adaptation to climate risks is an emerging topic in international climate negotiations. However, political views diverge on the desirability and feasibility of introducing transformational adaptation as a new concept. While scientific efforts to clarify its meaning are necessary, only by critically reflecting on the political nature of the concept can the negotiations move forward.

Earth observation (EO) data are critical for transparent EUDR monitoring and reporting, serving as a key tool for compliance verification and climate change mitigation. We discuss how current and upcoming EO missions serve different stakeholder needs for independent, verifiable, global and long-term evidence of land use and commodities following deforestation and propose mandating EO data and tools for efficiently assessing environmental impacts.

The new submission round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement presents a critical opportunity to enhance the credibility and feasibility of national decarbonisation pathways. By better aligning mid- and long-term targets, countries can reduce inconsistencies in emissions trajectories and strengthen the foundation for achieving long-term goals. Drawing on the experience of the European Union’s 2030 and 2040 intermediate emission targets, we highlight key considerations for setting milestones towards mid-century net-zero goals.

U.S. climate policy rollbacks under President Trump threaten to reverse international climate progress but also may catalyze renewed global urgency. The environmental, economic, and geopolitical consequences of these policies are examined, and five strategic responses are proposed—from new international climate alliances to accelerating renewable energy development and empowering subnational efforts. The article urges a global response to maintain momentum toward the Paris Agreement goals amid increasing challenges.

Transparency is often extolled as the key means to secure accountability in the global climate regime. In practice, when transparency reports do reveal politically salient information, the use of such information to enhance accountability may not materialize. Whether the advent of the new enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement will change the prospects for accountability-through-transparency in the climate regime remains to be seen.