E missions Gap Report,[1] a publication by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), is launched annually ahead of the global climate negotiations.
The latest edition, titled ‘Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record – Temperatures Hit New Highs,’ underscores a concerning trend: greenhouse gas emissions have surged to unprecedented levels. Despite urgent calls for action, emissions have risen by 1.2 percent compared to the previous year,[2] a troubling development at a time when reductions are imperative.
What is UNEP Emissions Gap Report (EGR)?
The UNEP Emissions Gap Report (EGR) is an annual publication that evaluates our progress in limiting global warming to well below 2°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, and striving for a 1.5°C target.
Since its inception in 2010, the report has provided a science-based assessment of the disparity between projected global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions if countries fulfill their climate mitigation commitments and the emissions levels required to mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change.
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Each year, the UNEP Emissions Gap Report identifies key areas where there is a discrepancy between current emission levels and the necessary trajectory to achieve climate goals.
It also highlights opportunities to bridge this emissions gap, focusing on specific issues of interest within the broader context of climate change mitigation.
Released annually prior to the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), the report aims to inform climate negotiations among UN Member States by presenting an evidence-based analysis of the global emissions landscape.
The UNEP Emissions Gap Report is a collaborative effort between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP-CCC), and various partners. The report serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders involved in climate action initiatives worldwide.
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References
[1] UNEP Emissions Gap Report (EGR) 2023
[2] Press Releases. Nations must go further than current Paris pledges or face global warming of 2.5-2.9°C.
Last update: 22 Feb 2024