The UN Emissions Gap Report 2024 emphasizes the urgency for countries to take immediate action to reduce emissions. According to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, there needs to be a global mobilization on an unprecedented scale and pace in order to meet the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. Without this, the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C will soon be unattainable and the world will face a catastrophic 3.1°C temperature rise. The report was launched at the COP16 global biodiversity conference in Cali, Colombia and tracks the gap between current emissions and the necessary reductions to limit warming to well below 2°C. The report states that the 1.5°C goal will be unachievable unless nations commit to cutting 42% of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 57% by 2035. These commitments, known as nationally determined contributions, outline steps to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts. The report also highlights the need for governments to regularly update and strengthen these plans. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stresses the importance of the upcoming COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where countries will be expected to deliver new national climate action plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal. He urges the largest economies, responsible for 80% of emissions, to lead in this process. The report shows that there is potential to reduce emissions by up to 31 gigatons of CO₂ by 2030 and 41 gigatons by 2035 through strategies such as increasing renewable energy usage and forest conservation. However, achieving this potential will require unprecedented international cooperation and a comprehensive approach from governments.
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