UN Report Warns of Global Climate Shortfall
- 28 Oct 2024
On 24th October, 2024, a UN report revealed that without urgent action, global temperatures may exceed the 1.5°C target, resulting in devastating climate impacts worldwide.
Key Points
- Current Emissions Trends and Top Polluters: According to the United Nations' Emissions Gap Report 2024, if nations maintain current environmental policies, global warming could surpass 3.1°C above pre-industrial levels.
- National Pledges and Insufficient Progress: Implementing unconditional and conditional Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) would only curb emissions by 10%, limiting warming to 2.6°C to 2.8°C by 2030, far above the Paris Agreement’s target of 1.5°C.
- Escalating Global Emissions Post-Pandemic: Greenhouse gas emissions rose by 1.3% in 2023, surpassing the pre-Covid decade’s average growth rate of 0.8%, indicating a backslide in climate progress.
- Essential Cuts for 1.5°C Target: To maintain the 1.5°C goal, global emissions need a 42% cut by 2030 relative to 2019 levels, increasing to 57% by 2035; a 28% cut is required by 2030 for the 2°C target.
- Increased GHG Emissions Among G20 Nations: G20 countries, excluding the African Union, contributed to 77% of global emissions in 2023, with the six largest emitters responsible for 63% of emissions while least developed countries contributed just 3%.
- Stark Emission Inequalities: Per capita emissions starkly vary, with the US and Russia’s per capita emissions at thrice the global average of 6.6 tCO2e, while nations like India and members of the African Union remain below the world average.
- Potential Solutions and Renewable Energy: The report highlights solar and wind technologies as vital to reducing emissions, capable of contributing 27% of reductions by 2030 and 38% by 2035, alongside forestry, electrification, and energy efficiency measures.
