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What's the article about?
- It talks about the United Nations' latest climate report, “Broken Record,” which highlights the alarming gap between countries' commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the urgent actions needed to avert catastrophic climate change.
Relevance:
- GS3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment
- Prelims
Analysis:
- The report underscores that current emission trajectories will lead to a temperature rise of 2.5°C to 2.9°C by the end of the century, far exceeding the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to well below 2°C, ideally to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
- To achieve the 1.5°C target, global emissions must be cut by 42% by 2030, a significant reduction from current projections. However, the report casts doubt on the credibility of countries' net-zero emission pledges, suggesting that even under the most optimistic scenarios, keeping warming below 1.5°C is only 14% likely.
- Progress Since Paris Agreement Falls Short:
- While the Paris Agreement has spurred some progress, with projected emissions in 2030 reduced from 16% to 3%, the overall pace of action remains insufficient.
- The world collectively emitted 57.4 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2022, an increase of 1.2% over 2021. The post-pandemic rebound in emissions is pushing the world back towards pre-pandemic levels.
- Consequences of Inaction:
- The report starkly outlines the consequences of inaction, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
- As of October 2023, 86 days had already recorded temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. September 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, with global average temperatures 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Urgent Need for Accelerated Action:
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- The report reiterates the urgent need for accelerated action, particularly from developed nations and those with historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions.
- It calls for deeper and faster emission reductions, emphasizing the importance of concrete actions rather than mere pledges.
Way Forward:
- As the world grapples with the complexities of climate negotiations, the report underscores the diminishing time available to take decisive action. The world must urgently get its act together to avert the devastating consequences of climate change.
