The Emissions Gap Report provides a yearly review of the difference between where greenhouse emissions are predicted to be in 2030 and where they should be to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
The 2020 report provides an update of global emissions pathways and progress towards achieving national mitigation pledges and the Paris Agreement goals as well as the resulting ‘emissions gap’. In addition, this year’s report also looks at the impacts of the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic and discusses the implications of related recovery responses. The report further assesses the role of lifestyles and behavioral change, as well as shipping and aviation in bridging the emissions gap.
The report reveals that, despite a dip in carbon dioxide emissions in 2020, the world is still heading for a 3°C temperature rise this century far beyond the goals of the Paris Agreement.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres identifies this projection as an opportunity for climate action. A sustainable pandemic recovery and increasing commitments to a net-zero emissions future can protect people, prosperity and the planet.
But we need to see these pledges turn into concrete plans, backed with real action and investment, well in advance of the next climate change conference.
