Solving a problem starts with defining it, and the climate emergency is no exception. Three concepts do the job: temperature, time, and tipping points. It’s too hot, and we have too little time before passing tipping points that are likely to be catastrophic and irreversible. The demand for stronger climate governance continues to grow and find new channels to flow through, including at the state and local levels. But if reducing CO2 is a necessary marathon, slashing short-lived climate pollutants is a sprint. The achievements of the Montreal Protocol and its 2016 Kigali Amendment demonstrate how quick and effective action is possible over some of these climate super pollutants.