The UNEP report is a clear warning that the world is going in the wrong direction on climate change. Unless drastic steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, The planet will warm by 2.5-2.9 degrees by 2100,
These levels of warming will have devastating consequences for the planet and humanity. Higher temperatures will cause sea levels to rise, extreme weather events to occur, loss of biodiversity and increased poverty.
IL UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over the situationThe gap between states’ commitments and what would be needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals was called “a failure of leadership, a betrayal of the most vulnerable and a huge missed opportunity.”
To avoid the most serious consequences of climate change, countries around the world must commit to drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This means investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
COP28, which will be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, will be an important opportunity for countries around the world to discuss ways to tackle climate change. It is essential that world leaders commit to taking the necessary measures to avoid a disaster.
Guterres: Emissions gap is a valley, we need to change course
The UN Secretary-General has expressed concern about the state of the climate, based on a 20 November report on the emissions gap. The document highlights that, if nothing is done, Emissions in 2030 will be 22 billion tonnes more than the 1.5 degree limit, This amount is equivalent to adding together the current annual emissions of the United States, China, and the European Union. “The report shows that the emissions gap looks like a valley. Greenhouse gas emissions have reached unprecedented levels, increasing by 1.2% compared to last year,” Guterres said.
Paris Agreement: 28% is not enough, 40% is needed
The Paris Agreement, approved in 2015, plans to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this target, greenhouse gas emissions will need to be reduced by 28% by 2030.
A recent UNEP report showed that to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, Emissions need to be cut by as much as 40% and more drastic, This goal has become even more urgent given the recent temperature increase on our planet.
To reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, Mitigation efforts need to be significantly strengthened this decade, This means investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Climate alarm: record emissions and abnormal temperatures
Global greenhouse gas emissions reaching historic high with 1.2% rise in 2022, This increase is causing record temperatures, with 86 consecutive days of average temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius. September was the hottest month on record, with the global average temperature 1.8 °C above pre-industrial levels. Last week, global average temperatures likely exceeded the critical threshold of 2 °C, but a longer period of time is needed to confirm this.
This year has seen horrific events in terms of heat, fire and new global temperature records., as explained by Anne Olhoff, chief scientific editor of the UNEP report. “But what we see right now is a whisper, while what we will see in the future will be a roar,” he said.
Progress after Paris Agreement, but not enough
Substantial progress has been recorded since the 2015 Paris Agreement. Initially, in accordance with the policies of the time, UNEP predicted a 16% increase in emissions by 2030. However, recent developments indicate a significant improvement, Expected growth now down to 3%,
Anne Olhoff expressed cautious optimism, saying that progress had been seen, but also underlined thatIt is vital to act now to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees,
Over the past few years, significant opportunities to reduce emissions have been missed, with some countries adopting green solutions in response to events such as the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis, while others have adopted such measures to promote new oil and gas exploration. Took advantage of the situations. To extend the life of coal mines.
Climate challenges: the gap between goals and reality
If current mitigation efforts continue without significant changes, global warming could reach 3 °C above pre-industrial levels. Full implementation of efforts required in national climate plans or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Keeps the world on track to reach 2.9 degrees Celsius,
A shocking fact has emerged: none of the 20 largest global economies are cutting emissions in line with their net zero targets. Even in the most optimistic scenario, UNEP says the chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C is only 14%.
The report describes the emissions gap as “like a valley of emissions“, also underlined by Guterres. Anne Olhoff stressed the need for stronger action to reduce emissions by the end of the decade, warning that without such efforts, the 1.5 degree target could be missed.
Despite peak emissions reductions and current stagnation in climate policies, Many countries have ample opportunity to dramatically reduce emissions And end fossil fuel subsidies.