As the crucial Cop28 climate summit looms in the United Arab Emirates next week, the UN issues a dire warning that the world is hurtling towards a “hellish” 3°C of global heating. The report reveals that current carbon-cutting policies are so inadequate that this alarming temperature increase is inevitable within this century.
Already in 2023, temperature records have been shattered, accompanied by intensified heatwaves, floods, and droughts causing loss of lives and impacting livelihoods globally due to a 1.4°C rise. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasizes the urgent need to set records on cutting emissions.
The UN Environment Programme (Unep) report indicates that even if promised future policies are implemented, only a marginal 0.1°C reduction from the 3°C limit would be achieved. Fulfilling emissions cuts pledged by developing countries, subject to financial and technical support, would still result in a catastrophic 2.5°C rise.
To align with the internationally agreed target of 1.5°C, the report calls for cutting 22 billion tonnes of CO2 from the projected total in 2030, equivalent to 42% of global emissions. This reduction is comparable to the combined output of the world’s top five polluters: China, US, India, Russia, and Japan.
Inger Andersen, Unep’s Executive Director, urges a departure from the pattern of insufficient action, emphasizing the need to set records on cutting emissions and climate finance. Guterres asserts that leaders must commit to tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 and phasing out fossil fuels at Cop28.
The UN warns that current fossil fuel expansion plans could exceed the planet’s carbon budget, branding such actions as “insanity.” The report also highlights the largest net zero-busting expansion plans by the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, which will preside over Cop28.
Titled “Broken Record,” the Unep report suggests that achieving net-zero pledges by 2050 could limit global temperature rise to 2°C. However, it questions the credibility of these pledges, noting that none of the G20 countries are reducing emissions in line with their net-zero targets.
The looming Cop28 must be a historic turning point, according to UN officials, with calls for countries to commit to ambitious renewable energy targets and clear timelines for phasing out fossil fuels. Guterres stresses the urgency, saying, “No more greenwashing. No more foot-dragging.”
