Inger Andersen, the executive director of the U.N. Environmental Programme, stated that climate change has affected everyone and every economy on Earth. Therefore, we must take action to prevent setting new records for greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature highs, and extreme weather events. Instead of sticking to inadequate goals and inaction, we must strive to make progress in reducing emissions, transitioning to greener and fairer practices, and providing climate financing.

The yearly report on the emissions gap brought attention to both the advancements and obstacles in the worldwide fight against climate change.

Many countries have promised to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and meeting these promises would help keep the global temperature increase below 2.5 degrees Celsius. However, the United Nations has stated that only a small number of these promises are currently seen as believable.

According to the United Nations, the total amount of carbon emissions from existing and proposed oil and gas fields and coal mines is 3.5 times higher than the allotted carbon budget for limiting temperature rise to 1.5 C. This would nearly deplete the entire budget reserved for a 2 C temperature increase.

According to Rachel Cleetus, the policy director for the Union of Concerned Scientists’ climate and energy program, the only solution to reducing the emissions gap and preventing further climate disasters is to make significant changes to the global energy system. These changes must be made on a large scale.

According to the United Nations, the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted worldwide in 2022 was estimated to be 57.4 gigatons, setting a new record. This trajectory could lead to a 3 degree Celsius increase in global warming if current policies are maintained.

According to Taryn Fransen, the director of science, research, and data at the World Resources Institute and a contributor to the report, many countries and major polluters have established goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 or slightly after. However, the issue is that current policies are not leading these countries towards meeting those targets.

However, there are indications that the disparity between countries’ goals for addressing climate change and their actual implementation strategies is narrowing. When the Paris Agreement was signed, it was projected that global emissions would increase by 16% by 2030. However, the United Nations now predicts a growth of only 3% by the end of the decade. Fransen expressed optimism about advancements in the United States and Europe, where governments are actively promoting the use of clean energy technologies and reducing emissions.

The current report shows some changes in methodology compared to previous reports. The conclusion that the Earth is headed towards 3 degrees Celsius of warming is higher than the previously predicted 2.8 degrees Celsius. The United Nations’ findings are based on a variety of modeling studies. This year’s version includes a larger number of studies, resulting in an increase in the main temperature finding.

a perilous path

In the 21st century, levels of greenhouse gases have consistently increased, with a temporary decrease during the global recession in 2008 and the Covid-19 pandemic before continuing to rise. Numerous experts warn that the world is headed towards a dangerous trajectory.

Training program for reaching a emissions plateau.

Emissions in the United States and Europe have decreased, but pollution in Asia has increased. According to Carbon Monitor, a tracker of academic emissions, global emissions in the first nine months of 2023 were 0.4 percent higher than they were at the same time last year.

An initial edition of this article was published in E&E News’ Climatewire.

Gain access to more thorough and detailed reporting.

E&E News covers topics such as the transition to renewable energy, the use of natural resources, and the impact of climate change.