In short, countries must start limiting emissions immediately, according to the United Nations 2024 Emissions Gap Report.
“The time of climate crisis is here,” said UNEP CEO Inger Andersen.
“We need global mobilization at a scale and speed never seen before, starting now ahead of the next round of climate pledges.”
Otherwise, she warned, the 1.5°C target to limit rising temperatures is set at Paris Agreement about climate change “will soon die and temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius will take place in the intensive care unit”.
Climate goals may evaporate
Launched at COP16 Global Biodiversity Conference in Cali, Colombia, the report tracks the gap between where global emissions are heading with current national commitments and where they have to limit warming to below 2 °C and pursue the 1.5°C target in line with the temperature target set in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
According to the report, the 1.5°C target will be gone within a few years unless countries collectively commit to cutting annual greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 within next of Contributions are determined by the country and back this up with swift action.
These self-identified contributions outline steps to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts – from droughts, floods and extreme weather events – ensuring necessary and up-to-date funding The plan is updated every five years, with the next due in early 2025 ahead of the COP30 climate talks in Brazil.
‘Twist on the planet’s tight rope’
According to the report, without significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, the world could face an inevitable and catastrophic 3.1°C temperature rise, which comes at a time when governments does not fully fulfill its promises.
UN Secretary General António Guterres said the emissions gap is not an abstract concept. Indeed, there is a direct link between rising emissions and increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters.
“We are teetering on a tight planetary rope,” he warned in a video message. “Either leaders will close the emissions gap or we will rush headlong into climate disaster, with the poorest and most vulnerable suffering the most.
Affordable technology can help
the COP29 The United Nations Climate Change Conference starting in Baku, Azerbaijan in November will serve as a launching pad for a detailed discussion on such new ambitious national plans, he said. and said that the event “starts the clock for countries to introduce new national climate action plans at the next moment”. year”.
“Governments have agreed to adjust these plans to 1.5 degrees,” he said.
That means they must reduce all greenhouse gas emissions and cover the entire economy, driving progress in every sector, he said, calling on the largest economies – members The G20 is responsible for around 80% of total emissions – leading the way.
The UN head emphasized that there is still hope.
He said: “Today’s report shows that available and affordable technologies can achieve the emissions reductions we need by 2030 and 2035 to meet the 1.5°C limit, but only with increased ambition and support.”
Clean energy can change the trajectory
The report shows significant potential to reduce emissions by up to 31 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2030, equivalent to around 52% of reported emissions by 2023 and 41 billion tonnes by 2035, helping to achieve the target. target 1.5°C for both years.
Increased use of wind and solar photovoltaic energy could contribute 27% to the total reduction by 2030 and 38% by 2035. Additionally, forest conservation could bring about 20% of the reduction required in both years.
According to the report, other effective strategies include increasing energy efficiency, electrifying various sectors and transitioning away from fossil fuels in buildings, transport and industry.
However, the report says that realizing even a fraction of this potential will require unprecedented international cooperation and a comprehensive approach from governments, focused on maximizing benefits. socioeconomic and environmental benefits while minimizing trade-offs.
