All nations around the globe were required to present updated strategies this year to combat climate change. However, according to a recent report from the United Nations, these plans have had minimal impact on reducing the future warming of the Earth.
The report highlights that the withdrawal of the United States from these efforts has offset a significant portion of the progress made. The latest climate action plans, which are mandated every five years under the 2015 Paris Agreement, are projected to decrease future warming by about 0.3 degrees Celsius compared to previous estimates.
Only a third of the countries that are part of the agreement, representing 63% of global emissions, have submitted their new climate strategies. Canada, for instance, submitted its updated plan in February, but it has been criticized as “highly insufficient” by the Climate Action Tracker organization.
Experts from the Institut de l’énergie Trottier at Polytechnique Montreal have called for a coordinated policy reset to transition to a net-zero energy system. Despite having a structured process for setting targets and plans, Canada has fallen short of meeting its emission reduction goals, as pointed out by Ross Linden-Fraser from the Canadian Climate Institute.
In contrast, the U.S. is facing challenges due to the policies of the Trump administration, which are expected to contribute an additional 0.1 degrees Celsius of warming. This setback is significant as the U.S. previously committed to substantial emission reductions before deciding to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.
The report underscores the urgency of global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit future temperature increases. It warns that even with aggressive emission cuts, temperatures are likely to rise by at least 1.7 degrees Celsius this century, necessitating subsequent actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen, emphasized the need for accelerated action, stating that progress is being made but must be expedited. With the upcoming UN climate talks in Belem, Brazil, world leaders are urged to take decisive steps towards reducing emissions and addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
