New Report Warns Global Climate Pledges Fall Far Short of 1.5°C Goal
Fewer than one-third of the world’s countries ? just 62 out of 197 ? have submitted their climate action plans to the United Nations, and even those fall drastically short of what is needed to limit global warming, a new U.N. report found. The analysis has renewed doubts about the world’s ability to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement targets.
Released Oct. 28, the U.N. report reviews national climate pledges, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). However, major emitters such as China and the European Union have yet to submit detailed plans, though both have previously outlined emission-reduction goals.
The report concludes that current pledges would reduce global carbon emissions by only about 10% by 2035 compared with 2019 levels ? just one-sixth of the reduction required to keep temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius. Beyond that, China’s earlier proposal to cut emissions by 7% to 10% from its peak by 2035 has been widely criticized as inadequate, while the EU remains divided over setting a target between 62% and 72.5%. The United States, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from the process altogether.
Experts warn that, at this pace, global temperatures could rise more than 2.5 degrees Celsius this century, triggering severe droughts, flooding, and widespread ecosystem collapse.
The report was released ahead of this month’s COP30 climate summit in Brazil, where countries face mounting pressure to strengthen their pledges. Developing nations argue that wealthier countries must lead by cutting emissions faster and providing greater financial support.
Environmental groups described the findings as “a wake-up call,” urging governments to act decisively and adopt stronger policies before time runs out.
Evelyn Nam For The Teen Times teen/1762915766/1613367659
1. Who are the main countries that have failed to submit or update their nationally determined contributions (NDCs)?
2. What does the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris process under President Trump reveal about the challenges of maintaining international climate cooperation?
3. When are the next major climate pledge updates or policy revisions expected from China, the EU, and the U.S.?
4. Where do developing countries expect to get funding or technology transfers to support their transition to cleaner energy?
1. If global temperatures rise by more than 2.5°C, how do you think your community would be affected?
2. When do you feel most motivated to make eco-friendly choices?when you see environmental news, natural disasters, or local campaigns?
3. If large countries like China, the U.S., or the EU fail to act, do you think smaller nations should still keep trying?
4. Why do you think young people around the world are becoming more vocal about environmental protection?
Fewer than one-third of the world’s countries ? just 62 out of 197 ? have submitted their climate action plans to the United Nations, and even those fall drastically short of what is needed to limit global warming, a new U.N. report found. The analysis has renewed doubts about the world’s ability to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement targets.
