In the last few years, many countries have made climate pledges and set net zero carbon targets in a bid to try and slow and prevent damage to the climate from carbon emissions. However, a rather stark and frightening assessment carried out by the UN suggests that these pledges are not enough.
Having carried out a study of over 100 countries and their climate plans, the UN has concluded that we're actually heading in the wrong direction and the world will still heat up to dangerous levels.
In order to avoid a climate catastrophe, global carbon emissions need to be reduced to 45% by 2030 - less than nine years time. During that period however, the UN has said we're on course to increase emissions by 16% instead. This could then lead to a temperature rise of 2.7°c which is far above the 1.5°c desired rise-limit set by the Paris Agreement in 2015, which was signed by 196 countries. Of the 191 countries still party to the agreement, only 113 have improved their climate plans which, under the terms of the Agreement, need to be done every five years. China, India, Saudi Arabia and Turkey - responsible for 33% of greenhouse gases - are yet to update plans.
Patricia Espinosa, the chief climate negotiator for the UN, said: "The 16% increase is a huge cause for concern. It is in sharp contrast with the calls by science for rapid, sustained and large-scale emission reductions to prevent the most severe climate consequences and suffering, especially of the most vulnerable, throughout the world."
It is hoped that all attendees at COP26 in November will discuss the magnitude of the issue and pledge to take immediate and brave action in order to avoid potentially catastrophic global consequences.
