The UN warns that the reduction of emissions will be only 1% in 2030 with current plans

After reviewing 48 national plans, experts from the Framework Convention on Climate Change say that governments are far from the level of ambition needed

The experts of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change have launched the alert for the insufficient actions to reduce _CO2 emissions, contained in the 48 national plans that cover 30% of the global pie.

The UNFCCC assessment concludes that the combined impact of the plans submitted until the end of last year would translate into an emissions reduction of just 1% in 2030 compared to 2010 levels. The scientists stress that the reduction should be at least 45% to limit the rise in temperatures to 1.5 degrees and 25% to prevent it from exceeding two degrees.

‘RED ALERT’ FOR THE PLANET

“This report is a red alert for our planet,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned. “It has been shown that governments are far from the level of ambition needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.”

“Large emitters need to take a much more ambitious step in their nationally determined contributions ahead of COP26 in Glasgow in November,” Guterres warned. “This is the time, with the growth of the alliance for ‘zero emissions’ in 2050 and with covid recovery plans offering the opportunity for a green and clean recovery. Commitments must be accompanied by actions.”

The UN synthesis report and the analysis carried out by Climate Action Tracker coincide in highlighting the European Union, the United Kingdom, Chile, Argentina or Kenya in the block of countries that have decided to print a “greater ambition” to their actions. In contrast, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Switzerland, New Zealand or Australia have not raised the bar since 2015. The plan presented by Brazil does not even offer an emission reduction target by 2030 or a slowdown in deforestation by that date.

“The United States and China have not yet submitted their ‘contributions’ and must do so as soon as possible,” said Tasneem Essop, executive director of the Climate Action Network. “It is imperative that the U.S. does its part, both when it comes to reducing emissions and financing. Net targets for 2050 cannot be the only sign of climate ambition.”

President Joe Biden, who last week announced the return of the United States to the Paris Agreement, has pledged to host a summit of world leaders for Earth Day (April 22) with the goal of paving the way for COP26. President Xin Jinping has anticipated his goal of achieving “carbon neutrality” in China by 2060.

“The UN report must be an urgent call to action: the window to protect our planet is closing very fast,” said Alok Sharma, president of COP26. The UK has committed to a 68% emissions reduction by 2030, compared to 55% for the European Union.

Environmental groups, however, highlight the gap between commitments and real actions. “Governments must work together to put people and the planet first over fossil fuel interests,” said Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International. “The UNFCCC synthesis report tells us one thing: right now we are failing and heading towards a climate catastrophe.”

Source: El Mundo