The world risks catastrophic global warming of 2.5°C to 2.9°C this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced, warns a new United Nations report.
To meet the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C-2°C above pre-industrial times, predicted 2030 emissions must fall 28-45% from current levels. Otherwise, runaway climate change could severely disrupt human civilization.
The sobering report comes ahead of November’s COP28 climate summit, where nations must pledge heightened emissions cuts under the Paris deal. The upcoming Global Stocktake will also assess emissions reductions made since 2015 as warming impacts intensify worldwide.
Urgent action this decade is critical to narrow the emissions gap and give the world a fighting chance. That means rapidly transitioning energy systems away from fossil fuels towards renewables while supporting vulnerable communities.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the need to “tear out the poisoned root” of the crisis: fossil fuels. An equitable shift to clean energy can make the 1.5°C target achievable.
With 2022 witnessing record heat, melting ice caps, and devastating extreme weather, our climate is dangerously close to irreversible tipping points. As UNEP chief Inger Andersen explained, no nation is immune from the cascading impacts.
To avoid catastrophic scenarios, all countries must implement low-carbon policies beyond their Paris pledges. Green transitions protecting livelihoods present our best hope for a stable climate and prosperous future. The alternative of unchecked emissions is simply unthinkable.
