Ouagadougou – A new report from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) reveals that current national climate action plans are inadequate to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
According to Africa Science News, despite some countries intensifying their efforts, the overall global response remains significantly lacking. The need for immediate and more substantial action to decrease emissions and mitigate the worst effects of climate change is emphasized. UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell urged that the upcoming COP28 in Dubai must be a decisive moment for governments to not only agree on stronger climate actions but also to demonstrate concrete plans for implementation.
Stiell pointed out that the conclusion of the first global stocktake at COP28 presents an opportunity for nations to amplify their efforts and align with the Paris Agreement goals. The stocktake, which will inform the next round of climate action plans (known as nationally determined contributions or ‘NDCs’) due by 2025, is seen as a crucial step for accelerated action.
The Global Stocktake report released by UN Climate Change highlights areas where progress is lagging but also identifies a range of tools and solutions proposed by countries. Stiell emphasized the urgency for governments to utilize these resources effectively to meet public expectations.
The latest science from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicates a need for a 43% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Stiell stressed the importance of COP28 in altering the current trajectory, highlighting the broader benefits of bold climate action including economic growth, job creation, and improved health.
UN Climate Change’s analysis of the NDCs of 195 Parties to the Paris Agreement shows that while emissions are expected to stop increasing after 2030, they are not decreasing rapidly enough. If current commitments are met, emissions will rise by about 8.8% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels, slightly improved from last year’s assessment but still far from sufficient.
The report also states that achieving emission peak before 2030 requires implementing conditional elements of the NDCs, dependent on enhanced financial resources, technology transfer, technical cooperation, and market-based mechanisms.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President Designate, and COP27 President Sameh Shoukry both emphasized the need for increased ambition and urgency to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Shoukry highlighted the importance of maintaining focus, particularly in assisting the Global South in adapting their economies and pursuing climate justice.
A second report on long-term low-emission development strategies revealed that countries’ plans to transition to net-zero emissions by mid-century could result in a 63% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 compared to 2019 levels, if fully implemented. However, many of these targets remain uncertain, calling for immediate action.
The reports collectively underscore the need for heightened global commitment and tangible action to combat climate change and achieve the Paris Agreement’s objectives.