The UN warns that the world is heading towards a catastrophic 3.1 degrees Celsius of global warming without significant emission reductions. The UNEP’s annual report highlights the gap between necessary actions to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and current pledges, indicating that current policies could result in a temperature increase of 2.6 to 3.1 degrees Celsius. Urgent global mobilization is required to address climate change effectively, especially as the UN Cop29 talks approach.
The United Nations has issued a grave warning that the world is on course for a potentially disastrous temperature rise of 3.1 degrees Celsius due to climate change, unless substantial action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In its annual report on the discrepancy between the necessary emission reductions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and the current pledges made by countries, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) stated that without unprecedented global mobilization, the objective of restricting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will soon become unachievable. This alarming report indicates that, depending on the effectiveness of currently promised climate initiatives, the planet is likely to experience temperature increases ranging from 2.6 to 3.1 degrees Celsius. This warning precedes the UN Cop29 negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, where nations are expected to confront demands for stronger financial commitments to support developing countries in their climate efforts and to rectify the emissions gap. According to the UNEP, greenhouse gas emissions reached a record high in the previous year, attributing the G20 countries with over 77 percent of total emissions. Current policies could lead to a potential long-term warming of 3.1 degrees Celsius, even if countries follow through on their established climate programs, which would still result in a rise of 2.6 to 2.8 degrees Celsius as stated by experts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for leaders to bridge the emissions gap, warning that failure to do so would thrust the planet into a climate crisis that disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. He noted, “Current policies are taking us towards a catastrophic 3.1C temperature rise by the end of the century.” Furthermore, Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of UNEP, stressed that urgent action is critical, stating, “Climate crunch time is here. We need global mobilisation on a scale and pace never seen before.” To achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, nations are required to commit to a reduction of 42 percent in annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 57 percent by 2035, as outlined in the report. Technological advancements now allow for the feasibility of these reductions through the expansion of renewable energy sources and enhanced energy efficiency. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband asserted the necessity for global leadership to ensure sustainability for future generations, highlighting the declining costs of renewable energy as a pathway to address the climate crisis effectively. In summary, the UN’s latest report has underscored the critical situation facing our planet amid climate change and the urgent need for collaborative and decisive action from all nations, especially those in leadership roles such as the G20, to avert a rise in global temperatures that would have catastrophic implications for the environment and humanity.
The urgency of addressing climate change has reached a critical point as the United Nations continues to emphasize the significant risks associated with rising global temperatures. The Paris Agreement set forth in 2015 established targets to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This latest UN report from UNEP draws attention to the alarming trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions, which are on the rise, risking the achievement of these vital climate goals. The report serves as a call to action for nations to intensify their commitments to reduce emissions and illustrate the disparity between proposed climate plans and the actual progress being made.
In conclusion, the UN’s warning regarding the potential for a catastrophic 3.1 degrees Celsius increase in global temperatures under current policies highlights the pressing need for immediate and concerted climate action. The findings underscore the responsibility of nations, particularly the G20, to enhance their climate pledges and mobilize resources to support developing countries. The report serves as a pivotal reminder that while challenges remain, feasible solutions exist to achieve significant emission reductions and work towards a sustainable future.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
