Emissions Gap Report (EGR)

Current Context : UNEP has released a report titled- the Emissions Gap Report 2024.

Highlights of the 2024 EGR:

• Temperature Projections: If current policies continue, global temperatures could rise by 1°Cabove pre-industrial levels.
• Necessary Emission Cuts:
  • To achieve the 5°Ctarget, GHG emissions must be cut by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035.
  • For the 2°Ctarget, reductions of 28% by 2030 and 37% by 2035 are required.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Countries need to enhance their climate action plans to meet these targets; otherwise, temperatures could rise by 6-3.1°Cby the end of the century.

Current Emissions Trends:

• Increase in GHG Emissions: Emissions rose by 3% in 2023compared to 2022, with the power sector being the main contributor.
• Major Contributors: India saw the highest increase among major economies at 1%, followed by China at 5.2%.
• Reduction in Developed Nations: The EU and US saw decreases in emissions, by 5%and 1.4%, respectively.
• Global Context: The six largest GHG emitters account for 63%of global emissions, while least developed countries contribute only 3%.

About the Emissions Gap Report (EGR):

• Published by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) annually.
• Purpose: Tracks progress in limiting global warming to below 2°C and aiming for 1.5°C, in line with the Paris Agreement.
• Focus: Assesses the difference between expected future greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the levels needed to prevent severe climate change impacts.