The United Nations has issued a warning that global climate action plans are not sufficient to prevent the devastating impacts of climate change on economies worldwide. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the current national climate plans are projected to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by only 2.6% from 2019 to 2030. This represents a marginal improvement from the previous year’s forecast of a 2.0% decrease in emissions by 2030. However, the UNFCCC emphasizes that a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030 is necessary to avoid the worst consequences of climate change as recommended by UN climate scientists.
The UNFCCC’s Simon Stiell stated that the current climate plans are inadequate to prevent the catastrophic impacts of global heating on economies and livelihoods worldwide. He stressed the need for more ambitious national climate plans that can not only mitigate climate chaos but also stimulate investment, economic growth, job creation, reduced pollution, improved health, lower costs, and increased access to clean energy.
In response to the UNFCCC’s warning, updated climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are due to be submitted by February and will outline measures up to 2035. The UK government has committed to presenting its updated NDC at the UN climate summit COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, in November. The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) has advised that the new plan should aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 81% in 2035 compared to 1990 levels, a target that is achievable with current technology.
Professor Piers Forster of the CCC emphasized that investing in low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, heat pumps, and renewables is essential to meet the 2035 emissions reduction target. He also called on the government to demonstrate its commitment to climate action in the upcoming budget. The UK, as a significant historical emitter, has seen its emissions peak and begin to decline, setting an example for other countries to follow.
As global emissions are expected to peak before 2030, urgent and decisive action is needed to address the climate crisis. The UNFCCC’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of ambitious and effective climate policies to safeguard the planet and secure a sustainable future for all. It is imperative that governments, businesses, and individuals work together to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the impacts of climate change on a global scale.
