Topline
A new report from the United Nations weather agency found greenhouse gas rates hit a new record in 2020, indicating the world is “way off track” to meet its climate goals, representing a threat to daily life and and the future of the planet ahead of the highly anticipated U.N. climate change summit in Glasgow at the end of the month.
Key Facts
If greenhouse gas emissions continue increasing at their pace the planet will experience a rise in temperature “far in excess” of the 2015 Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius by the century’s end, World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said Monday.
The grim 2020 milestone was reached despite a “temporary decline in new emissions” because of Covid-19 lockdowns, which ultimately “did not have any discernible impact” on greenhouse gas levels.
The announcement described carbon dioxide as the “single most important greenhouse gas” because of how long it stays in the atmosphere — meaning even if emissions quickly reach the goal of net zero, temperature rise will continue, as will the extreme weather that goes with it.
Key Background
The WMO’s findings come just months after the U.N.’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report declaring a “code red for humanity.” “There is no time for delay and no room for excuses,” U.N. Secretary General António Guterres said at the time. “I count on government leaders and all stakeholders to ensure COP26 is a success.” Nearly 200 countries are expected to attend the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, the follow-up to the 2015 Paris Agreement that united almost all nations for the first time in a single commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Some 25,000 people are anticipated to descend on Glasgow in the coming days, including world leaders such as President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Queen Elizabeth is also reportedly hoping to attend despite recent health issues.
Further Reading
“UN warns world ‘way off track’ as greenhouse gases soar” (Reuters)
“Everything you need to know about COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow” (Yahoo News)
“Why Hopes are Fading for Glasgow’s UN Climate Summit” (Time)
“John Kerry says Glasgow COP26 is the last best hope for the world” (BBC News)
“U.N. Climate Conference President On ‘Last Best Chance’ To Combat Global Warming” (NPR)
“COP26: What is the Glasgow climate conference and why is it important?” (BBC News)
“Climate change: IPCC report is ‘code red for humanity’” (BBC News)
