By Wanja Mwaniki
Urgent Action Needed to Limit Global Warming to 1.5°C
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has declared a climate emergency, warning that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, global warming could exceed 2.9°C this century, leading to catastrophic consequences for life on Earth.
According to the 2024 UNEP Emissions Gap Report, the world is at a critical juncture: “Limit global warming to 1.5°C, struggle to adapt to 2°C, or endure catastrophic consequences at 2.6°C and beyond.” The report highlights the urgent need for nations to commit to and achieve substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in their next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due for submission in early 2025 ahead of COP30.
To keep global warming within the 1.5°C limit, emissions must be cut by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035. Failure to enhance ambition in these new NDCs and to act immediately could result in a temperature increase of 2.6-3.1°C over the century, with severe impacts on people, the planet, and economies.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that adapting to climate change is as crucial as reducing emissions, stating, “Adaptation cannot be the neglected half of the climate equation.”
To mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, the UN outlines several key actions:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030.
- Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
- End reliance on fossil fuels.
- Invest in clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and reliable alternative energy sources.
Climate change is exacerbating food insecurity, increasing the risk of flooding, and contributing to a global food crisis. In 2022, climate change and conflict were the primary drivers of acute food insecurity for nearly 174 million people worldwide. Immediate and decisive action is essential to avert the most devastating effects of climate change.
