NEWS –  Emissions Gap Report 2024 released UN Environment Programme

HIGHLIGHTS

Overview of Climate Warming Projections

• Current policies could lead to a warming of 1°C above pre-industrial levels.
• The UN report highlights a high likelihood of failing to meet Paris Agreement

Key Findings from the Emissions Gap Report 2024

• Current Emission Trends
  • The six largest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters accounted for 63% of global emissions.
  • Least developed countries contributed only 3%.
• Impact of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
  • Full implementation of unconditional and conditional NDCs could reduce emissions by only 10% by 2030, resulting in up to 6°C of warming.
  • Implementing current conditional NDCs might lead to up to 8°C of warming.
• Recent Emission Growth
  • GHG emissions have increased by 3% from 2022 levels, compared to an average growth of 0.8% per year from 2010 to 2019.

Urgent Action Required

• Global Emission Reduction Targets
  • To limit warming to 5°C, emissions must decrease by 42% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels.
  • For 2°C, emissions must fall by 28% by 2030.
  • By 2035, targets need to be 57% lower for 5°C and 37% lower for 2°C.
• Call to Action
  • Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, emphasized the need for immediate global mobilization and stronger commitments during the upcoming COP29.

G20 Countries and Emission Accountability

• G20 Contribution to Global Emissions
  • G20 countries (excluding the African Union) represented 77% of emissions in 2023.
  • GHG emissions within the G20 rose in 2023.
• Disparities in Emissions
  • Major emitters show significant discrepancies in average per capita emissions compared to historical emissions.
  • India’s GHG emissions increased by 1% in 2022-23 but remain significantly lower per capita than those of China and the US.

Potential for Bridging the Emissions Gap

• Opportunities for Reduction
  • Increased deployment of solar and wind technologies could account for 27% of total reduction potential by 2030 and 38% by 2035.
  • Action on forests may contribute 20% of potential reductions in both years.
• Strategies for Success
  • Emphasizing energy efficiency, electrification, and fuel switching in buildings, transport, and industry sectors.
  • Meeting COP28 targets, including tripling renewable energy capacity and conserving ecosystems.