A United Nations report released Thursday warns that current global climate policies are set to raise global temperatures by over 3°C by the century’s end, double the target set nearly ten years ago. The annual Emissions Gap report, which compares nations’ climate pledges with required actions, predicts a 3.1°C rise by 2100 if emissions aren’t drastically cut. Despite global leaders committing to limit warming to 1.5°C in 2015 through the Paris Agreement, recent data shows emissions rose to 57.1 gigatonnes in 2023—a new record, with no significant progress by major economies like the G20.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for decisive action, warning of dire consequences if the emissions gap isn’t bridged. He noted, “We’re teetering on a planetary tightrope.” The report also highlights that even under the most optimistic scenarios, temperatures will rise by between 2.6°C and 2.8°C.
Next month, nations will convene in Azerbaijan for COP29, where negotiations could shape their next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) due in 2025. The report underscores that by 2030, emissions need to be cut by 42% annually—and by 57% by 2035—to stay within the 1.5°C threshold. Inger Andersen, UN Environment Programme’s executive director, called for stronger NDC commitments, reminding leaders, “Every fraction of a degree avoided counts.”
