Two new reports have highlighted the urgent need for Canada to take stronger action to combat climate change. The findings, from the United Nations Environment Programme's Limiting Overshoot report and Canada's Changing Climate Report 2026, warn that global warming is on track to exceed the 1.5°C temperature threshold—the lower limit of the Paris Agreement goal—within a few years. This threshold is considered critical to avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. If current trends continue, Canada could see temperatures rise by as much as 5°C above preindustrial levels by the end of the century, due to the country's faster rate of warming compared to the global average. The reports document a range of climate changes already underway, including more frequent and intense heatwaves, extreme precipitation events, longer fire seasons, retreating glaciers, permafrost thaw, and rising sea levels. These changes are expected to worsen over the next few decades as greenhouse gas emissions continue to drive global warming. The key takeaway from both reports is that the climate crisis will continue to intensify if current efforts to reduce emissions remain unchanged. Each additional degree of global warming will bring more severe and damaging climate extremes. Global warming is projected to reach 1.5°C around 2030, then 1.6°C by 2034 and 1.7°C by 2038. By midcentury, global temperatures are expected to surpass 2°C, with the possibility of reaching 3°C by the end of the century. In Canada, warming has been roughly twice as fast as the global average, and in the Arctic, it has been nearly three times as fast. This means the impacts of climate change are already more pronounced in Canada than elsewhere. Despite the grim outlook, the reports emphasize that the future is not set in stone. If global emissions are reduced to net-zero by midcentury, it may still be possible to stabilize global and Canadian temperatures. Canada has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, but recent analysis shows the country is far from meeting this goal, or even its 2030 emissions target. Current policies are not sufficient to meet either target by the deadlines set. In response to the growing climate crisis, calls are increasing for stronger adaptation efforts to prepare for the impacts that are already unavoidable. Prominent environmental figures, such as David Suzuki, are urging communities to build resilience against climate-related disasters. However, adaptation should not be seen as a substitute for reducing emissions. Both are essential: without significant emission cuts, the ability to adapt may be overwhelmed. The reports also note that certain climate changes, like rising sea levels and melting permafrost, are difficult to reverse. However, future warming is still largely determined by future emissions. It remains possible—and necessary—to limit the peak temperature rise, stabilize global temperatures, and avoid the most catastrophic climate impacts. For Canada, this means maintaining strong climate action, addressing geopolitical and affordability challenges, and accelerating the transition to net-zero emissions. This is not just a goal—it is an urgent necessity.