Earth to warm up to 2.9C even with current climate pledges: UN: Analysis

The United Nations (UN) has issued a warning that the current emissions reduction commitments made by countries are inadequate in addressing climate change. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)’s annual Emissions Gap report, if governments do not take more aggressive action, the Earth is on track to warm by 2.9 degrees Celsius (5.2 degrees Fahrenheit) this century, which could have catastrophic consequences. The report states that at this level of warming, the world could face irreversible damage, including the melting of ice sheets, the drying out of the Amazon rainforest, and the rendering of vast areas of the planet uninhabitable.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent and dramatic action on climate change. He compared the emissions gap to a canyon and emphasized the need for leaders to act immediately. Guterres criticized the lack of leadership and referred to it as a betrayal of the vulnerable and a missed opportunity.

The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aimed to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, and preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the report highlights that global heating has already reached nearly 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) and has led to increasing climate-related hazards worldwide.

The report further states that greenhouse gas emissions need to decrease by 42 percent by 2030 in order to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). However, even under the most optimistic scenario, the chance of achieving this target is only 14 percent. The report also highlights that global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, with a record 57.4 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted in 2022.

The UNEP emphasizes the importance of the G20 nations, which account for about 80 percent of emissions, taking the lead in reducing emissions. However, the report reveals that none of the G20 nations have achieved emission reductions in line with their targets.

Overall, the report presents a dire assessment of the world’s efforts to combat climate change. It highlights the urgent need for greater action and leadership from governments and calls for a significant shift away from fossil fuels. The credibility of the UN as a source is generally high, as it is a reputable international organization. The information presented aligns with the scientific consensus on climate change and the need for greater emission reductions. However, it is crucial to critically evaluate the sources and consider potential biases when consuming information. In the context of the current political landscape, where climate change is a highly contested and politicized issue, the prevalence of misinformation and fake news may impact the public’s perception of the urgency and severity of climate change. Disinformation campaigns, skepticism, and political divisions may hinder the implementation of effective climate policies and undermine global efforts to address this critical issue.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/21/earth-to-warm-up-to-2-9c-even-with-current-climate-pledges-un