The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently released the 13th edition of the Emissions Gap Report 2022, titled ‘The Closing Window — Climate Crisis Calls for Rapid Transformation of Societies’. This annual report, released ahead of COP27, assesses the anticipated emissions by 2030, identifying the gap between these projections and the targets established by the Paris Agreement. It offers strategies to bridge this gap, addressing the ongoing climate crisis.
Emissions Gap Report Findings
The report identifies that the top seven emitters – China, the EU27, India, Indonesia, Brazil, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America, along with international transport, accounted for over half (55%) of global GHG emissions in 2020. These countries saw GHG emissions bounce back in 2021, surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019. Furthermore, G20 members collectively account for 75% of global GHG emissions. Global average per capita GHG emissions was estimated at 6.3 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) in 2020, with India remaining significantly below the world average at 2.4 tCO2e. Unfortunately, the world is not on track to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement agreed upon in 2015. There is currently no credible pathway towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Paris Agreement and Predicted Outcomes
The Paris Agreement established a global warming limit of 2°C (preferably 1.5°C) above pre-industrial levels. Surpassing this limit could lead to extreme weather events such as severe heatwaves, droughts, water stress, among others. The national pledges made since COP26 in Glasgow, UK, have made little impact on predicted 2030 emissions.
Recommendations from the Report
The report recommends rapid and significant reductions in greenhouse gases over the next eight years. This includes a call for alternative technologies in heavy industries to reverse the rise in carbon intensity of global steel production. Unconditional and conditional NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) could reduce global emissions by 5% and 10% respectively by 2030 compared to current policies. However, these figures should reach 30% and 45% to effectively limit global warming to 2°C or 1.5°C.
Initiatives to Reduce Emissions in India
India has implemented several initiatives to reduce emissions. These include transitioning from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms, launching the UJALA scheme, participating in the International Solar Alliance, establishing the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), promoting Ethanol Blending by 2025, and updating its NDCs.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
The UNEP, set up on 5th June 1972, is a leading global environmental authority. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, it sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection. Key reports by the UNEP include the Emission Gap Report, Adaptation Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, and Invest into Healthy Planet. It also leads major campaigns like Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, and Wild for Life.
UPSC Civil Services Examination – Previous Year Questions
In a previous civil services examination, candidates were asked about the ‘Common Carbon Metric’ supported by UNEP and its application. In the examination, aspirants were also asked to discuss global warming, its effects on global climate, and measures to control greenhouse gases contributing to global warming, particularly in the context of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
