UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2023: Urgent Call for Climate Action

• 23 Nov 2023

The latest Emissions Gap Report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) unveils alarming statistics, indicating record-breaking global temperatures this year.

• The report warns that the world is veering off track, with current commitments under the Paris Agreement likely leading to a significant rise in temperatures beyond recommended limits.

Key Points

• Paris Agreement Goals at Risk: The report highlights the urgency for intensified climate action, indicating that current pledges place the globe on a trajectory toward a 2.5-2.9°C temperature increase, far exceeding the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 or 2°C limit.
• Crucial Discussions at COP2: Released just before the UN climate change summit in Dubai, the report underscores the pivotal discussions on reframing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) crucial to curbing global warming.
• Record-Breaking Emission: The report emphasizes the critical gap between pledged emissions reductions and the necessary reductions outlined by the Paris Agreement.
• In 2022, global greenhouse gas emissions soared to a record high of 57.4 gigatonnes, primarily propelled by CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes.
• Inequality and Historic Emissions: The report notes inequality in emissions across nations and historic contributions to global warming.
• It highlights that a small percentage of the global population contributes significantly to emissions, with disproportionate impacts from high-income countries.
• Challenges and Aspirations: The report warns that without robust implementation of NDCs, the globe is poised for a 3°C temperature rise.
• It emphasizes the need for a 28% emissions cut by 2030 to achieve the 2°C goal and a 42% reduction for the 1.5°C goal.
• Activists’ Concerns and COP28 Anticipation: Climate activists express urgency, calling the current situation a “chilling reality” and underscoring the imperative for transformative and equitable climate action.