The ‘Emissions Gap Report 2025’, released by
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has warned that despite new
climate pledges made by countries, the expected rise in global temperature
during this century remains dangerously high. According to the report, under
current policies, the world is heading toward a temperature increase of 2.5°C
to 2.9°C, which could lead to a severe escalation in climate risks and related
damages.
Key Findings
Global Emissions
Rise
¨
Global
greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reach a record 57.7 gigatonnes of
CO₂-equivalent in 2024, representing a 2.3% increase compared to previous
years.
¨
The
largest absolute emissions increases were recorded in India and China, although
India's per capita emissions remain below the global average.
Insufficient Impact
of Updated NDCs
¨
The
revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have only slightly reduced
projected temperature increases; the end-of-century temperature rise is still
projected to be 2.3°C–2.5°C, far exceeding the Paris targets of 1.5°C–2°C.
¨
Implementation
gaps are significant as many countries are still lagging behind in meeting
their NDC commitments.
Emission Reductions
Required for Climate Goals
¨
A 28%
emission reduction by 2030 would put the world on track to achieve the 2°C
target, while a 55% emission reduction by 2035 would enable the world to
achieve the 1.5°C target.
Differing Trends
for Major Emitters
¨
Some
major emitters, including China and several G20 members, are showing signs of
peaking emissions.
¨
Other
countries, such as the United States, are facing policy reversals and projected
emissions increases, slowing global progress.
Risk of Temperature
Rise
¨
The
report warns of the grave risk of exceeding global temperature limits, as this
could potentially lead to severe and irreversible climate impacts.
Key Recommendations
Acting on Climate
Commitments
¨
Countries
must adhere to and fully implement their 2025 NDCs with more ambitious,
time-bound emission reduction targets, consistent with the 1.5°C path.
¨
Implementation
gaps need to be addressed by ensuring that policy commitments are translated
into measurable emission reductions.
Accelerating the
Clean Energy Transition
¨
Countries
should accelerate the transition to renewable energy, improve energy
efficiency, and phase out fossil fuel subsidies and investments.
¨ Expanding methane reduction efforts and
improving carbon capture and storage are essential for deep decarbonization.
¨
Expanding
Nature-Based and Technological Solutions: Greater investment is needed in
nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, as well as in emerging
low-carbon technologies that can help achieve large-scale emission reductions.
Emissions Gap
Report
¨
It is a
major scientific assessment published annually by the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP).
¨ It measures the gap between emissions
projected under current national policies and the emission levels needed to
meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals.
¨
The
report uses standardized emission scenarios and climate modeling techniques to
provide an independent, objective measure of global progress on climate
mitigation, making it a trusted reference for policymakers around the world.
