Last week, massive global action was witnessed as demonstrators took to the streets of Glasgow to highlight the 'climate emergency', coinciding with the COP30 climate talks in Brazil. The conference itself will be a crucial test for the ability of world leaders to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement, as the US has pulled out and China is seen as cautious. To add urgency, research has shown that global carbon emissions from fossil fuels are projected to hit a record high in 2025, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action to combat climate change. Meanwhile, the conference also saw countries making significant commitments, such as South Korea's pledge to phase out coal, and Brazil's recognition of 10 new Indigenous lands, displaying the interconnectedness of climate change with social and environmental justice. In addition, protests being allowed outside the UN talks for the first time since 2021 and the spotlight on nature in Brazil's climate commitments hint at the increased attention to climate issues at the local and international levels. The ambitious moves to introduce sustainable energy practices and invest in carbon removal technologies, such as Japan's 'air carbon removal' pilot, reflect the growing commitment to climate action beyond mere policy discussions.