United Nations Environment Programme: Carbon Gap Report 2021

As climate change intensifies, scientists warn that we humans have little time left to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. 2021 will be a challenging year for the Earth.

The 2021 Emissions Gap Report states that the updated national climate commitments, combined with other climate change mitigation measures, will put the world on track to a global temperature rise of 2.7°C by the end of the century , which is far higher than the temperature control target set by the Paris Agreement and will trigger catastrophic climate change. In order to limit global warming to below 1.5°C by the end of the century and achieve the aspirational goal of the Paris Agreement, the world needs to halve annual greenhouse gas emissions over the next eight years.

If implemented effectively, net-zero emissions commitments could help limit global warming to 2.2°C , which is closer to the Paris Agreement's goal of well below 2°C . However, many countries have delayed net - zero action in their climate plans until after 2030. Reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels, waste and the agricultural sector could help close the emissions gap and slow global warming in the short term, the report found.

Carbon markets can also help to significantly reduce emissions. But this will only happen if the “ rules ” are clearly defined and target actual emissions reductions, and are supported by arrangements to track progress and ensure transparency.

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