GS Paper – 3
• Scientific Innovations & Discoveries
• Space Technology
Context
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently published the Emissions Gap Report 2024 ahead of the UNFCCC COP 29 meeting scheduled in Baku, Azerbaijan. This report examines the global emissions trajectory, evaluating the disparity between current climate policies and those required to meet the Paris Agreement targets.
Key Highlights
Global Temperature Trajectory
The report emphasizes that under existing policies, global temperatures are on a course to rise by 3.1°C above pre-industrial levels, far exceeding safe limits. Even if countries fully adhere to their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a rise of 2.6°C is projected. This trajectory overshoots the Paris Agreement’s aim to limit warming well below 2°C and ideally to 1.5°C.
Paris Agreement at Risk
- Paris Targets: To achieve the 1.5°C target, global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and reduce by 43% by 2030.
- Emissions Today: Current global emissions, as of 2023, reached 57.1 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent gases (tCO₂e). India’s emissions rose by 6.1%, contributing to an overall global increase of 1.3% in 2023 compared to 2022.
Emissions Distribution Among Major Contributors
- G20’s Role: The G20, excluding the African Union, accounted for 77% of global emissions in 2023.
- Top Emitters: Six countries emerged as dominant contributors, making up 63% of total emissions.
Per Capita Emissions
- Global Comparison: India’s per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2022 stood at 2.9 tCO₂e, markedly lower than those of China (11 tCO₂e) and the US (18 tCO₂e).
- Disparities: Developed nations have per capita emissions nearly three times the global average (6.6 tCO₂e), while developing countries like India and the African Union remain below this average.
Required Emission Cuts
To keep the global temperature rise within 1.5°C, an annual reduction of 7.5% in emissions is essential through 2035.
Financial Needs
Bridging the emissions gap to achieve net-zero by 2050 would demand an investment of $900 billion to $2.1 trillion annually, approximately 1% of the global GDP.
Pathways to Reduction
- Renewable Energy Expansion: Scaling solar and wind power could fulfill 27% of the required emissions reductions by 2030.
- Forest Conservation: Protection and restoration of forests can contribute an additional 20% to emission reductions.
About UNEP
- Foundation: UNEP was established in 1972 following the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm.
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Governing Body: The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), with universal membership of all 193 UN Member States, is UNEP’s highest-level decision-making authority.
- Major Initiatives: UNEP oversees prominent initiatives such as Climate Action, Ecosystem Restoration, Clean Seas, and support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Key Reports: UNEP publishes influential reports, including the Emissions Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, and Adaptation Gap Report, which serve as critical resources for shaping global environmental policy.
Important Facts for Prelims
- Common Carbon Metric: Supported by UNEP, it assesses the carbon footprint of building operations globally.
- Momentum for Change Initiative: “Climate Neutral Now” launched by UNFCCC, promotes climate neutrality.
- TEEB Initiative: Hosted by UNEP, focusing on demonstrating the economic value of biodiversity and ecosystems to decision-makers.
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