U.N. Report Warns of Catastrophic 3.1°C Global Temperature Rise by 2100 – Take Action Now!

Global temperatures are on track to rise to alarming levels by the end of the century, according to a new report from the United Nations. The report warns that if governments do not set more ambitious climate targets, global temperatures could soar to 3.1 degrees Celsius (5.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels by 2100. This is more than twice the target outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit).

Currently, human-induced warming is already at 1.3 degrees Celsius (2.3 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels. The UN’s annual Emissions Gap Report highlights the gap between countries’ commitments and the necessary cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to prevent catastrophic climate breakdown. The report emphasizes the need for annual greenhouse gas emissions to fall by 9% each year until 2030 to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Global greenhouse gas emissions reached 63 gigatons of “carbon dioxide equivalent” in 2023, which is 1.3% higher than 2022 levels. This increase exceeds pre-pandemic growth rates observed between 2010 and 2019. The spike in emissions reflects a return to pre-pandemic levels of industrial and transport activity.

To keep the 1.5 degrees Celsius target alive, countries must collectively cut yearly greenhouse gas emissions by 42% before 2030 and 57% before 2035. However, current pledges for future action are not sufficient to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.

The report’s findings come just ahead of the annual U.N. Conference of the Parties (COP) climate summit, where leaders will gather to discuss more ambitious climate targets. The hope is that negotiations at the summit will lead to increased commitments to transition away from fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The report underscores the urgent need for countries to take bold action to address climate change. Without significant changes in policies and practices, the world is at risk of facing catastrophic consequences from unchecked global warming. Leaders are urged to use the upcoming COP summit as an opportunity to commit to more ambitious climate goals and work towards a sustainable future for the planet.