Global Emission Cuts Fall Short of Paris Goals

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

Context

• The United Nations Synthesis Report has found that global emission reduction efforts are falling short of the targets set under the Paris Agreement (2015). 

Concerns raised by the Report 

• The report is based on countries’ updated nationally determined contributions (NDC), which are promises to cut fossil fuel emissions or plant forests (to capture carbon dioxide) until 2035.
  • The report is based on submissions from 64 out of 190 countries. India is yet to submit its updated NDC, with its last submission made in August 2022.
• The Countries are on track to reduce emissions by only 17% of 2019 levels by 2035, far below the levels required to keep global warming within 1.5°C or even 2°C by the end of the century.
• However, to keep global temperature rise below 2°C and 1.5°C, countries must cut emissions by 37% and 57% of 2019 levels respectively by 2035.
• The Global Tipping Points Report 2025, highlights that the world is reaching its first climate tipping point, the widespread mortality of warm-water coral reefs.

Challenges in GHG Emission Reduction 

• Global Challenges: 
  • Industrial Resistance: European industries continue to lobby for relaxed emission norms.
  • Carbon Credit Dependence: Overreliance on foreign carbon credits risks shifting the burden of decarbonisation to developing nations.
  • Slow Transport Transition: The EU faces persistent emissions from the road transport sector due to the slow adoption of clean mobility technologies.
• India’s Heavy Dependence on Coal: Coal still fuels ~75% of Indian emissions.  Also, the steel industry is growing fast and still depends heavily on coal, which adds to the pollution problem.
• Climate Targets Need to Be Stronger: India has set climate goals (NDCs), but experts say they are not strong enough to limit global warming to 1.5°C. 
• Policy Gaps Remain: India is setting up a carbon market (where companies can trade the right to emit carbon), but it is still optional and not fully working yet. 

Way Ahead

• Enhance Global Ambition: Major emitters, especially G20 nations, must strengthen their NDCs ahead of COP30 to align with scientific pathways.
• Accelerate Renewable Transition: Expanding solar, wind, green hydrogen, and CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage) capacity should be prioritised.
• Strengthen Adaptation Measures: Build resilient infrastructure, improve disaster preparedness, and promote nature-based solutions.
• Mobilise Climate Finance: Developed nations must deliver on their $100 billion annual commitment and expand concessional finance for mitigation and adaptation.
• Encourage Behavioural Change: Promote sustainable lifestyles through initiatives such as Mission LiFE, focusing on reduced consumption and waste.

Concluding remarks

• The UN report serves as a wake-up call ahead of COP 30, urging countries to enhance their NDCs, mobilize climate finance, and accelerate adaptation efforts. 
• Without substantial progress, the Paris Agreement’s goals of 1.5°C and 2°C will remain out of reach, putting global ecosystems and communities at grave risk.

Source: TH