A new United Nations Climate Change report has indicated that the climate plans of most countries fall well short of what is required by the terms of the Paris Agreement.
Commenting on the 2024 NDC Synthesis Report, which assesses the combined impact of nations’ current national climate plans (NDCs) on expected global emissions in 2030, among other measures, UN Climate Change executive secretary Simon Stiell called on nations to “[end] the era of inadequacy” and accelerate their climate transition efforts.
‘Stark, but not surprising’
“The report’s findings are stark, but not surprising – current national climate plans fall miles short of what’s needed to stop global heating from crippling every economy, and wrecking billions of lives and livelihoods across every country,” Stiell commented.
“By contrast, much bolder new national climate plans can not only avert climate chaos – done well, they can be transformational for people and prosperity in every nation.”
According to the report, projected global mean temperatures up to 2030 show ‘significant uncertainty’, largely due to the variability in emission levels.
Based on current projections, the best estimate for peak temperatures in the 21st century, mostly anticipated around 2100 as warming persists, lies between 2.1 and 2.8 °C above pre-industrial levels, it suggests.
“Current plans combined – if fully implemented – would see emissions of 51.5 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2030 – a level only 2.6 per cent lower than in 2019,” said Stiell. “Greenhouse gas pollution at these levels will guarantee a human and economic trainwreck for every country, without exception.”
Emissions reduction
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change notes that greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut 43% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. By 2035, net global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut by 60% compared to 2019 levels.
“This is critical to limiting global heating to 1.5°C this century to avert the worst climate impacts. Every fraction of a degree matters, as climate disasters get rapidly worse,” Stiell added. “The next round of national climate plans must deliver a dramatic step up in climate action and ambition.”
Stiell also highlighted the importance of the upcoming COP29 in Baku, calling it a crucial moment for climate action where governments must transform ambitious pledges made at previous conferences into tangible outcomes.
He reiterated the need for enhanced climate finance to address the needs of developing nations, emphasising that effective climate support is essential to protect communities and the global economy from escalating climate impacts. Read more here.
