Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions to Drop by 10% by 2035
According to the United Nations, global greenhouse gas emissions are expected to decrease by approximately 10% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, marking the first significant decline. However, the world remains far from the necessary trajectory to keep warming below 1.5°C, the target set by leaders when signing the Paris Agreement ten years ago.
The Impact of Carbon Emissions
Carbon emissions are already having a tangible impact on people's lives and economies, with droughts, storms, and heatwaves killing thousands of people and causing billions of dollars in economic losses every year.
A Colossal Challenge Ahead
Bridging the gap between current emission levels and the targets set by scientists will be a colossal challenge for countries participating in the COP30 climate summit, scheduled to take place in Brazil next November. The predicted decrease is based on commitments made by countries representing around 80% of global emissions. However, it falls short of the 60% reduction by 2035 that scientists deem necessary to keep warming at acceptable rates.
Analysis of National Contributions
The results, based on the analysis of 64 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), show that there is a chance to reduce emissions by 17% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels. If these plans are implemented, emissions from this group of countries will peak before 2030, then decrease sharply after 2035, and most will achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Key Takeaways
- Global greenhouse gas emissions are expected to drop by 10% by 2035
- The world is still far from meeting the 1.5°C warming target
- Carbon emissions are having a significant impact on people's lives and economies
- Countries face a significant challenge in bridging the gap between current emission levels and scientific targets
- Implementing national climate plans can lead to a peak in emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 for most countries.
