The United Nations has released a report stating that global efforts to combat climate change are significantly off track. According to the analysis, current national plans to reduce carbon emissions would only lead to a 2.6% decrease by 2030 compared to 2019. This falls short of the 43% reduction needed to keep warming below 1.5°C this century. The report also highlights that greenhouse gas concentrations have risen by over 11% in the past two decades, with atmospheric concentrations surging in 2023.
The UN is urging countries to submit new, stronger plans by Spring next year, emphasizing the need for increased ambition. Meanwhile, the World Meteorological Organisation has reported record-high levels of greenhouse gases in 2023, citing factors such as record fires in Canada and the onset of El Niño.