The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently released the twelfth edition of its Emissions Gap Report, which puts the world on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7°C by the end of the century. The report incorporates new national climate pledges coupled with other mitigation measures and is a significant update to the global understanding of greenhouse gas emissions.
Emissions Continue to Surge
After an unexpected drop of 5.4% in 2020, global carbon dioxide emissions are rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. Moreover, concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in our atmosphere continue their upward trend.
Ineffectual Mitigation Pledges
Newly pledged mitigation strategies are showing some progress; however, their collective effect doesn’t meet the necessary reductions. The G20 countries fail to meet both original and updated 2030 pledges with only ten G20 members achieving their previous Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), while seven fell short.
Inadequacy of Current Emission Reduction Targets
The new 2030 pledges are reducing the predicted 2030 emissions by a meager 7.5%, whereas a 30% reduction underpins the 2°C goal, and a 55% reduction is necessary for the 1.5°C target.
Ambiguous Net-Zero Emissions Pledges
More than 50 countries, responsible for over half of global emissions, have pledged long-term net-zero emissions targets. However, these pledges are shrouded in ambiguity and lack clear action plans towards net-zero. There is an urgent call for these commitments to be substantiated with near-term targets.
Projected Global Warming Figures
By the century-end, global warming is projected to hit 2.7°C if all unconditional 2030 pledges are fully implemented, and 2.6°C if conditional pledges are also fulfilled. The figures improve to around 2.2°C if net-zero emissions pledges are realized in their entirety.
Significance of Reducing Methane Emissions
Methane emissions reduction in the fossil fuel, waste, and agricultural sectors could play a crucial role in reducing the emissions gap and provide immediate relief against warming.
Role of Carbon Markets
Carbon markets hold the potential to drive ambition and deliver significant emissions reductions, provided that rules ensure transactions reflect actual reductions in emissions, and transparency is maintained.
Current State of Global GHG Emissions
At present, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have surpassed any levels seen over the past two million years. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, CO2 emissions dropped an unprecedented 5.4% last year, with a smaller decrease in total GHG emissions expected for 2020.
India’s Initiatives to Curb Emissions
The country has launched several green initiatives like transitioning from Bharat Stage-IV to Bharat Stage-VI emission norms, the distribution of LED bulbs under the UJALA scheme; forming the International Solar Alliance; launching the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC); and planning the Ethanol Blending roadmap in India by 2025.
About UNEP: Leading the Global Environmental Agenda
UNEP is the leading global environmental authority that was established on 5th June 1972 with its headquarters based in Nairobi, Kenya. It sets the global environmental agenda and works towards sustainable development within the UN system. UNEP is also the authoritative advocate for worldwide environment protection.
Understanding the Emissions Gap Report
The Emissions Gap report annually assesses the discrepancy between anticipated 2030 emissions and levels consistent with the 1.5°C and 2°C targets of the Paris Agreement. Each report identifies ways to bridge this gap.