UNEP Report Warns Current Policies Could Drive Global Temperatures Up by 3.1°C by 2100
Dublin: The latest UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Emissions Gap report warns that current policies could lead to a catastrophic temperature increase of up to 3.1°C by 2100. Achieving the 1.5°C target remains “technically possible,” but only through drastic global emission cuts, especially from G20 nations, which contribute 77% of global emissions. Current national commitments fall short, potentially limiting warming to only 2.6-2.8°C by 2030.
The UNEP report calls for a 42% emissions reduction by 2030 and 57% by 2035. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the urgency of closing the emissions, ambition, and finance gaps, urging stronger Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at COP29.
In Ireland, the Climate Change Advisory Council highlights insufficient progress toward national and EU targets, with potential fines exceeding €8 billion by 2030 if targets aren’t met. The Environmental Protection Agency reported a 2.2% emissions drop early in 2024, though an 8.3% annual reduction is required to meet Ireland’s carbon budget. Sustainable energy expert Prof. Hannah Daly stressed the need for immediate action beyond pledges to ensure transformative emission cuts.
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