The urgency for enhanced climate action has escalated, as brought into light by a United Nations report on nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. The report indicates that if current climate plans are implemented, global greenhouse gas emissions could reach approximately 53 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2025, exceeding 1990 levels. This situation puts stress on the pressing need for countries to adopt more ambitious climate commitments.
The Paris Agreement Overview
The Paris Agreement, established in 2016, aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspirational target of 1.5 degrees. Each participating country is required to submit NDCs every five years, detailing their strategies for reducing emissions. As of now, 195 signatories have submitted 168 updated NDCs, revealing a collective emissions trajectory that remains perilously high.
Emissions Projections and Targets
The UNFCCC report suggests that while NDCs could reduce emissions by 2.8% by 2030 compared to 2025 levels, this is insufficient to meet the 43% reduction required to avert severe climate impacts. If all NDCs are fully realised, projections indicate that global mean temperatures could still rise between 2.1°C and 2.8°C by the end of the century. This phenomenon marks the gap between current commitments and the necessary actions to achieve climate goals.
Implementation Challenges
A critical finding of the report is that fewer than half of the countries have integrated their NDCs into national legislation. Only 50% of signatories have established long-term strategies extending to 2050, which are essential for sustained climate action. The lack of legislative backing and long-term planning poses challenges for effective implementation.
Role of Oceans and Adaptation Strategies
Oceans play a vital role in climate regulation, absorbing heat and carbon dioxide. Despite this, only 21% of countries have included ocean-related strategies in their climate plans. The report indicates that 81% of countries provided adaptation information, yet only a fraction prioritised adaptation measures within their NDCs, underscoring the need for a more integrated approach to climate resilience.
Financial Aspects and Support Mechanisms
Financial resources are crucial for the realisation of NDCs, with 91% of countries acknowledging the need for funding. However, 69% of these nations require international support, denoting the reliance on global cooperation. The upcoming COP29 in Baku aims to enhance emissions trading regulations under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which allows for the trading of carbon credits as a means to facilitate NDC implementation.
Future Directions and Expectations
Countries are expected to submit their third round of NDCs in early 2025, outlining their climate actions through 2035. The UNFCCC has urged nations to set ambitious, economy-wide emissions targets supported by robust regulations and funding mechanisms. This proactive approach is essential for protecting vulnerable sectors and populations from climate impacts.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of the Paris Agreement in global climate governance.
- What are the major challenges in implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs) by signatory countries?
- Analyse the role of oceans in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
- Evaluate the importance of financial support in achieving climate action goals.
- What measures can countries take to enhance the ambition of their NDCs before the 2025 submission?
