UNEP Calls for Immediate Action to Meet Climate Goals

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 2024 Emissions Gap Report titled "No More Empty Promises, Please." The report emphasizes the need for countries to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 to keep the global temperature increase within 1.5°C, a target set by the Paris Agreement. This report serves as a warning ahead of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where climate commitments will be central to discussions.

Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from all countries are due by early 2025, just before the COP30 talks in Brazil. UNEP’s analysis indicates that failing to enhance these targets and accelerate climate action could lead to a temperature rise between 2.6°C and 3.1°C by the century's end, with widespread environmental, economic, and health impacts. The report stresses that even current NDCs would only reduce the projected temperature increase to 2.8°C.

Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UNEP, urged immediate global action, saying that without significant mobilization now, the 1.5°C target may soon be out of reach. "I urge all nations to increase action at COP29 and work toward more robust NDCs," Andersen said, emphasizing the critical need for immediate steps to strengthen commitments.

The report outlines that reaching the 2°C goal by 2035 will require a 28% reduction in emissions from 2019 levels by 2030, while the 1.5°C goal would demand annual cuts of 37% through 2035. Despite increased emission levels since 2019, UNEP points to actionable solutions such as scaling solar and wind energy, which could contribute 27% to emission reductions by 2030, increasing to 38% by 2035. Forest-based climate initiatives would add another 20% to the emissions reduction potential in both years.

Achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century would require global investments between US$0.9 billion and US$2.1 billion annually through 2050, equivalent to around 2% of current financial market activity. These investments would not only help mitigate climate impacts but also reduce costs associated with air pollution, ecosystem damage, and health issues.  

The report also underscores the critical role of the G20, which accounted for 77% of total global emissions in 2023. With the recent addition of the African Union to the G20, emissions from member countries now reach 82% of the global total. UNEP stresses differentiated responsibilities, encouraging major emitters to lead in advancing their climate commitments.

In preparing updated NDCs, UNEP advises countries to provide clear, specific goals covering all Kyoto Protocol gases and sectors, distinguishing between unconditional and conditional elements. Emerging economies and developing countries should detail the international support they need to meet these targets.