UN Predicts First Global Emissions Drop by 2035 Despite Insufficient Pace

The United Nations has projected a global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by about 10% by 2035 compared to 2019 levels, marking the first significant decline in emissions. This reduction is attributed to new national commitments from countries including China, India, and the EU, as well as the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, which have recently surpassed coal in electricity generation. However, UN climate chief Simon Stiell emphasized that this pace of decline is insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement goals, which require a 60% reduction by 2035 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. While the emissions decrease signals progress, many countries have delayed submitting their updated climate plans, with only a fraction meeting deadlines, raising concerns about global efforts to control climate change. The analysis also notes that some reductions depend on policies from the previous U.S. administration under Biden, which the current President Trump has abandoned, potentially affecting future emission trajectories. Overall, while the direction is promising, the world must accelerate its efforts to avoid the severe consequences of climate change and meet international targets.