Forest fires are now at record levels of destruction; unprecedented weather events are ruining lives and livelihoods throughout the world; stifling droughts are wreaking havoc on global food systems – it is obvious that our climate targets are insufficient.
“still on track for climate catastrophe”Antonio Guterres
Chief executive Antonio Guterres said the report showed the world was still ‘on course’ for ‘climate catastrophe’.
The U.N. Environment Program’s emission gap report confirms the findings of the UNFCCC report, and advises that if the world wants to achieve its 1.5 ° C goal, it will need to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent over the next eight years.
“To stand a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5C, we have eight years to almost halve greenhouse gas emissions,”Inger Andersen
“To stand a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5C, we have eight years to almost halve greenhouse gas emissions,” UNEP’s Executive Director Inger Andersen said.
Scientists and experts agree that global emission reductions are key to prevent what may seem to be the worst possible consequences of climate change.
This year’s Emissions Gap Report on reports that even if all of the net zero commitments were fully achieved, there is a 66 percent chance that the increase in temperature could be capped at 2.2 ° C.
The world’s richest nations have contributed the most to the global climate crisis, and the world’s poorest countries, the world’s least responsible for global warming, will be the ones to feel the worst effects.
This year’s Emissions Gap report focused on the role that methane – the world’s strongest greenhouse gas – plays in global warming.
One week before #COP26, we were still on track for a catastrophic global temperature rise of around 2.7 degrees Celsius.
Scientists are clear on the facts.
Leaders need to be just as clear in their plans to avoid climate catastrophe. pic.twitter.com/EpGuuOd4YL
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 26, 2021
The fight against the climate crisis will only succeed if everyone comes together with more ambition, cooperation & credibility.
All countries must upgrade their #ClimateAction plans, and translate their commitments into concrete and immediate action.https://t.co/HK8PcwSR98
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 25, 2021