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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.