Susan O’Keeffe: We have 11 years to save the planet from catastrophe

Earth will now reach its scary 1.5C rise in temperature in 2032, based on the current surge of carbon emissions

‘Think how the next general election in Ireland is due in 2025, if not before. The next one would be 2030. A mere two governments away before the Earth overheats.’ Picture: Getty

COP26 should best be likened to a lengthy and large extended family dinner party. Invitations are sent out. Most people turn up, with some predictable, if disappointing refusals. Groups form in the kitchen and the garden to bitch about the host and their close circle, while the sunny smiles of the first few hours rapidly give way to normal grumpy disagreement.

The neighbours look on, observing and retelling every little nuance; someone falling asleep, arriving ...