“Humanity is breaking all the wrong records when it comes to climate change,” says the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). 

The latest annual Emissions Gap Report from the UNEP has found the world is heading for 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels unless countries step-up action and deliver more than promised in their 2030 pledges under the Paris Agreement. 

According to the report, predicted 2030 emissions must be cut by at least 28-42 per cent compared to current policy scenarios to get on track for the 2°C and 1.5°C goals of the Paris Agreement respectively. 

However, even in the most optimistic scenario where all emissions contribution targets and net zero pledges are met, the likelihood of limiting warming to 1.5°C is only 14 per cent.

“There is no person or economy left on the planet untouched by climate change, so we need to stop setting unwanted records on greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature highs and extreme weather,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. 

“We must instead lift the needle out of the same old groove of insufficient ambition and not enough action, and start setting other records: on cutting emissions, on green and just transitions and on climate finance.”

The report highlights alarming climate records, with 86 days recorded above 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and September 2023 marking the hottest month ever. Global greenhouse gas emissions reached a new high of 57.4 Gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022, reflecting a concerning 1.2 per cent increase.

Despite some progress in policy measures since the Paris Agreement, the report notes an implementation gap reduction, projecting a 3 per cent increase in emissions by 2030 based on current policies, compared to the initial 16 per cent estimate. 

While nine countries have submitted updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), more significant efforts are needed to avoid overshooting the 1.5°C target.

The report calls for global low-carbon transformations, particularly in high-emitting countries, emphasising the need for increased financial and technical support to developing nations. Addressing the reliance on carbon dioxide removal, the report warns that delaying emissions reductions will increase dependence on removal methods. 

It calls for careful consideration of risks associated with carbon dioxide removal, urging nations to prioritise sustainable practices to meet climate goals.