Emissions Gap Report 2023

• The latest Emissions Gap Report was released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
• The emissions gap is defined as the difference between the estimated total global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the full implementation of the nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and the total global GHG emissions from least-cost pathways consistent with the Paris Agreement long-term goal of limiting global average temperature increase to well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels.

 MAJOR FINDINGS

• GHG emissions increased by 2 per cent from 2021 to 2022 to reach a new record of 57.4 Gigatonnes of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (GtCO2e).
• At current pledges under the Paris Agreement, the world is on track for a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels this century.
• Until the beginning of October this year, 86 days were recorded with temperatures over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• September was the hottest recorded month ever, with global average temperatures 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Global low-carbon transformations are needed to deliver cuts to predicted 2030 greenhouse gas emissions of 28 per cent for a 2°C pathway and 42 per cent for a 1.5°C pathway.

 ABOUT UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME

• It is a leading global environmental authority established on 5^th June 1972 after Stockholm Conference on Human Environment.
• It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.
• UN Environment Assembly is the governing body.
• Membership encompasses all 193 UN Member States.
• It is part of the UN Secretariat and responds to the UN General Assembly.
• Headquarters- Nairobi, Kenya.
• Other Reports– Adaptation Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet, Environmental Rule of Law Report etc.