On November 4, 2019, the United Nations released a report on the Paris Agreement, outlining the progress made towards its ambitious goals. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change, adopted by 196 countries in 2015, with the aim of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.
The latest report is a follow-up to the 2018 IPCC special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. It highlights the importance of increased action to tackle climate change, as current efforts are not enough to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
The report notes that global greenhouse gas emissions have continued to rise, with a record high of 55.3 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2018. Although some progress has been made in transitioning to renewable energy sources, the report emphasizes that a significant increase in ambition and action is necessary to meet the temperature goals of the Paris Agreement.
The report also highlights the potential benefits of taking action to address climate change. These include reducing air pollution, improving public health, creating jobs in the renewable energy sector, and reducing the risks of extreme weather events.
The UN report calls for urgent action from all sectors of society, including governments, businesses, and individuals. It suggests that countries need to strengthen their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions, and that countries should work together to share knowledge and technology to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
It is clear that addressing climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. The UN report on the Paris Agreement highlights the need for urgent and ambitious action to meet the goals of the agreement. By working together, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.