UN Report on National Pledges and Climate Change
The recent report by the United Nations highlights the inadequacy of current national pledges, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), to sufficiently cut greenhouse gas emissions. These pledges are critical as nations prepare for the COP29 climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.
Current State of NDCs
- The NDCs aim to reduce global emissions by 2.6% from 2019 to 2030, an improvement from 2% last year.
- However, to adhere to the Paris Agreement target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, a 43% reduction is necessary.
- New and stronger NDCs are required by February of the following year.
Comments from UN Officials
- Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Secretary General, emphasized the need for ambitious climate plans to prevent severe economic and social impacts.
- He called for the upcoming NDCs to clearly outline actionable paths for change.
COP29 Climate Talks
- The success of COP29 is pivotal in persuading nations to adopt and execute ambitious pledges.
- Discussions will address a new global emissions trading system and a $100 billion annual financial package for developing countries.
Views from the NDC Partnership
- Pablo Vieira, Global Director, noted that some countries might use the NDC process as a bargaining tool for financial aid in exchange for ambition.
- He stressed the importance of making NDCs attractive for both public and private finance.
Greenhouse Gas Accumulation
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported unprecedented greenhouse gas accumulation rates over the last two decades.
- Carbon dioxide levels reached 420 ppm last year, a 2.3 ppm increase from the previous year, marking an 11.4% rise over 20 years.
- WMO Secretary General Celeste Saulo warned that these figures reflect significant impacts on global temperatures and climate feedback mechanisms.
