UN Warns Global Climate Goals Are “Miles Short” as COP29 Approaches
The UN has issued a stark warning about global climate goals, stating that current efforts fall “miles short” of what’s needed to prevent catastrophic climate change.
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) latest report highlights that, even with updated national climate pledges, global emissions would drop by only 2.6% by 2030—far from the 43% reduction scientists say is needed to keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
This news comes ahead of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, where nearly 200 countries will discuss increasing climate ambitions and creating a new global emissions trading system. A key issue expected to be covered is financial support for developing nations.
Many poorer countries, already vulnerable to climate impacts, argue that richer nations must provide substantial funds to enable them to transition from fossil fuels and cope with the effects of climate change.
Reports show increased levels of greenhouse gases in atmosphere
The situation is made more urgent by a separate report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which noted record levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
WMO data shows CO2 levels up by 11.4% in two decades, warning that forests, like parts of the Amazon, are beginning to release more CO2 than they absorb. This “climate feedback” effect, where natural systems like forests and oceans lose their ability to offset emissions, could accelerate global warming.
Stronger climate plans are critical, says head of UNFCCC
UNFCCC head Simon Stiell emphasised that stronger national climate plans are critical, saying, “Current national climate plans fall miles short of what’s needed.”
He added that meeting ambitious climate targets would also generate economic benefits, from job creation to less pollution.
The need for stronger commitments is clear. According to UN climate scientists, the odds of keeping warming within 1.5 degrees are slim under current pledges. Even so, some countries, like the UK, are making strides.
The UK Climate Change Committee recently advised the government to cut emissions by 81% by 2035, an achievable goal if investments in technologies like electric vehicles and renewables are made soon.
For developing nations, however, financial support remains crucial. “More money for more ambition” is becoming a central theme, as these countries look to wealthier nations to fulfil promises of a $100 billion annual climate fund, which would allow them to adopt clean technologies and protect against extreme weather.
Dr. Doug Parr of Greenpeace UK underscored the urgency, calling on global leaders to step up at COP29.
“Now is the moment for real leadership,” he said, noting that climate impacts are already devastating lives worldwide.
As the planet warms, the WMO’s Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the recent rise in greenhouse gas concentrations “should set alarm bells ringing” for policymakers globally.
