Key Impact Points:
- Global emissions hit a record 57 gigatons in 2023, requiring 7.5% annual reductions to stay on track with the 1.5°C target.
- Countries must collectively cut emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
- UNEP warns that without drastic action, the world could see temperature rises of up to 3.1°C by century’s end.
Rising Emissions Undermine Climate Targets
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that current global climate policies fall short of the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal. The report states, “1.5°C will be dead within a few years” unless nations increase their commitment to emission reductions.
In 2023, global emissions reached a record 57 gigatons, a 1.3% rise from the previous year. To reverse this trend, the UN calls for a yearly reduction of 7.5% in emissions until 2035.
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Countries Face New Emission Cut Goals
UNEP’s report stresses that countries must strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve a 42% reduction in emissions by 2030 and 57% by 2035. Nearly 200 nations are due to submit updated NDCs to the UN next year. According to UNEP, “The next NDCs must deliver a quantum leap in ambition in tandem with accelerated mitigation action in this decade.”
Without significant updates to these climate pledges, the world risks temperature increases between 2.6°C and 3.1°C, which UNEP says will bring severe consequences for economies, ecosystems, and communities.
Major Emitters Under Pressure to Act
Inger Andersen, UNEP’s Executive Director, emphasizes the responsibility of major emitters, noting that G20 nations, responsible for 77% of global emissions, must lead by example. “The heavy lifting” will be essential to driving global climate action toward cleaner energy and net-zero economies.
Andersen acknowledges that limiting warming to 1.5°C remains “technically possible” but will require urgent action, including scaling renewable energy, preserving forests, and enhancing energy efficiency across key sectors.
The report precedes the upcoming COP29 climate summit, scheduled for November 11-22 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where global leaders are expected to discuss advancing these critical climate objectives.
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