Why in the News?
According to the recently released ‘Emission Gap Report 2024’ presented by UNEP, Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions have reached a new high of 57.1 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023, a 1.3% rise compared to 2022.
What are the key points of Emissions Gap Report 2024?
- Urgent Emission Reduction Targets: To align with the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions must decrease by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels.
- For a 2°C target, reductions of 28% by 2030 and 37% by 2035 are necessary. Current commitments and policies are insufficient, putting the world on track for a temperature rise of 2.6-3.1°C, which would lead to severe climate impacts.
- Potential for Significant Reductions: The report highlights that it is still technically feasible to achieve the 1.5°C pathway through aggressive action, including increased deployment of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which could contribute 27% of the necessary reductions by 2030 and 38% by 2035.
- Additionally, actions related to forests could provide around 20% of the potential reductions in both years. A comprehensive approach involving government action, investment in mitigation strategies, and international cooperation is essential to realize these opportunities.
What are the Global Emission trends?
- Global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have continued to rise, reaching a record high of 57.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023. This marks an increase from previous years, with fossil fuel CO₂ emissions projected at 37.4 billion tonnes, up 0.8% from 2023, and total CO₂ emissions—including land-use changes—projected to be 41.6 billion tonnes in 2024.
- The increase is attributed primarily to rising emissions from major economies such as China and India, with India experiencing the largest relative increase at 6.1% and China contributing the most in absolute terms.
- The overall trend indicates that despite some positive developments in renewable energy adoption, there is no sign that global fossil fuel emissions have peaked, necessitating immediate and substantial reductions to meet climate targets.
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What is the progress of G20 countries towards NDCs?
- Mixed Progress on NDCs: Among G20 countries, six members (China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, and Turkey) are projected to meet their unconditional Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets with current policies.
- However, eight members (Argentina, Australia, Canada, the EU, South Korea, South Africa, and the United States) require further action to achieve their targets.
- This indicates a significant disparity in progress across different G20 nations, with many needing to be on track to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- Need for Enhanced Ambition: The G20 must significantly ramp up its climate ambitions in the next round of NDCs to align with the goals of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. This includes committing to substantial emissions reductions—42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035.
What is the NCD target?
- Collective Emission Reduction Goals: G20 countries have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), targeting a 42% reduction by 2030 and 57% by 2035, aligned with the Paris Agreement to limit warming below 2°C.
- Diverse Member Targets and Progress: G20 members have varied NDC targets, such as China aiming to peak CO2 emissions by 2030 with a 60-65% reduction in carbon intensity, while Argentina caps net emissions at 483 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
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What is needed to bridge the gap between 2030 and 2035 goals? (Way forward)
- Significant Annual Emission Reductions: A reduction of 7.5% per year until 2035 is necessary to align with the 1.5°C pathway, while a 4% annual reduction is needed for the 2°C target.
- Investment in Renewable Energy: The increased deployment of solar and wind technologies could deliver approximately 27% of the total emission reduction potential by 2030 and 38% by 2035.
- Action on Forests: Protecting and restoring forests could provide around 20% of the required reductions in both years.
- Comprehensive Policy Measures: A whole-of-government approach is essential, maximizing socioeconomic and environmental co-benefits while minimizing trade-offs.
- Increased Mitigation Investment: A minimum six-fold increase in investments for climate mitigation is critical, necessitating reforms in global financial systems and strong private sector involvement.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases that cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (UPSC IAS/2022)
