The first global stocktake, concluded in 2023 at COP28, revealed significant gaps in progress towards the Paris Agreement goals, highlighting a substantial shortfall between current national commitments and the necessary actions to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030. Rising global temperatures continue to set records, exacerbating impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and countries. Immediate and enhanced mitigation and adaptation measures are urgently needed, alongside substantial financing to turn plans into concrete actions.