Title: UNEP Chief Sounds Alarm on Growing Climate Crisis
Across the globe, temperatures are skyrocketing, and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Chief, Inger Andersen, has issued a stark warning about our climate future just two weeks before the COP28 world climate conference. "It's a break the records kind of situation when it comes to climate change," Andersen stated, addressing the emissions gaps in global climate protection in a recent UNEP report.
With the current trend, global temperatures are predicted to shatter previous records in 2023. In fact, September 2022 averaged 1.8 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with 2023 looking like the hottest year to date.
Ramping up efforts
The goals set in the Paris Climate Agreement are not Meeting the mark as it is. If we stick to our current plans, we're on course for a 2.5 to 2.9-degree Celsius temperature rise this century compared to pre-industrial times.
According to Andersen, swift action on climate adaptation before the end of this decade is vital. The emissions projections for 2030 need to be reduced by at least 28 to 42% compared to the current outlook to meet the agreed targets for global warming. The UN report also reveals that global greenhouse gas emissions are on an upward trajectory, increasing by 1.2% between 2021 and 2022 to a new record high of 57.4 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Limited emissions allowance
When oil, natural gas, and coal are burned, most of the climate-damaging greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are released. To keep the 1.5°C target in sight, we should only allow a specific amount of harmful gases into our atmosphere. The measures countries have in store to date fall far short of being ambitious enough.
Stirring the world to action
Inger Andersen and the UN speak out for more vigorous efforts to tackle climate change. According to Andersen, we can only hope for a 1.5°C warming target with significant acceleration in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction before 2030. This would require a drastic reduction in the 2030 emissions projection.
References:
- Based on UN data[1][2][3]
Enrichment Data Integration:
- To meet the 1.5°C target, emissions must be drastically reduced:
- Global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut by approximately 45% by 2030[2]
- The globe should witness a 6% yearly decline in fossil fuel production from 2020 to 2030[2]
- Achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is crucial, with any remaining emissions absorbed by oceans and forests[3]
- The 2°C target still requires action:
- Reducing carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050 would help keep the temperature rise below 2°C[3]
- Global greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reach a peak by the end of this decade before declining to net zero by 2050[3]
To keep temperature increases below the d易 arena target, accelerated efforts on greenhouse gas emission reduction are needed. Without significant action, we risk breaching the 1.5°C goal, and the most devastating impacts will be felt.
