Earth to warm up to 2.9C even with current climate pledges: UN
The United Nations has issued a stark warning, stating that despite worldwide pledges to reduce emissions, the efforts fall significantly short in curbing the impact of climate change. As a result, the Earth is projected to warm up to a potentially catastrophic 2.9 degrees Celsius (5.2 degrees Fahrenheit) by the end of this century.
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released its annual Emissions Gap report, evaluating countries' commitments in tackling climate change against the necessary actions. This year, marked as one of the hottest in human history, underscores the urgency of the situation.
According to the report, the planet is on course to experience a temperature rise between 2.5 degrees Celsius (4.5 degrees Fahrenheit) and 2.9 degrees Celsius (5.2 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels based on existing commitments. Failure to undertake more aggressive climate measures could result in dire consequences.
At such elevated temperatures, scientists foresee critical thresholds being crossed, leading to irreversible events like the rapid melting of ice sheets and the desiccation of the Amazon rainforest. This could render extensive areas of the planet uninhabitable for human life.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent and drastic climate action at the upcoming COP28 climate talks, set to commence in Dubai on November 30. Guterres likened the emissions gap to a canyon, stressing that leaders must confront the issue directly.
'We've run out of time for delaying action. The negligence and failure to lead represent a betrayal of the most vulnerable and a missed opportunity of colossal proportions,' Guterres emphasized.
He further urged a definitive departure from reliance on polluting sources such as coal, oil, and gas, emphasizing the crucial need to change course promptly to avert the impending climate crisis.
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