EMISSIONS are still way too high to stop dangerous climate change, warns a from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
To stop the Earth warming more than 2 掳C above preindustrial levels, global emissions must peak at 44 gigatonnes in 2020 and then fall. However, the report says that 2020 emissions are likely to be between 8 to 13 gigatonnes higher. This range is calculated on how well or not countries deliver on their pledges to cut emissions. So in the best-case scenario, where everyone meets their targets, emissions are still 8 Gt too high.
This 鈥溾�� has grown: first estimates by UNEP in 2010 put it at between 5 and 9 Gt.
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Unless drastic action is taken soon, we are likely to see a 4 掳C rise this century, warns at the International Institute for Environment and Development in Edinburgh, UK.
A from the World Bank, also published this week, paints a stark picture of a 4 掳C warmer world riven by severe heatwaves, floods and droughts. 鈥淚t will be absolutely catastrophic for certain parts of the world,鈥� Anderson says.
By delaying emissions cuts, the world is simply deciding to pay more for them later, he says.
