Why is it in the news?
- The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has released the 14th edition of the Emissions Gap Report 2023.
- The report is launched annually ahead of the U.N. climate summit, COP28, where world leaders aim to uphold the Paris Agreement’s warming target of 1.5°C.
| The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
· UNEP is the leading environmental authority in the United Nations system, established in 1972. · The UN Environment Assembly is the policy-making body of UNEP. · UNEP is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and produces major reports such as the Global Environment Outlook and Adaptation Gap Report. |
About the Report
- The report tracks the gap between current global emissions trends based on country commitments and the emissions levels needed to limit warming to 1.5°C. It explores strategies to bridge this emissions gap.
- The report assesses countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and their potential impact on global warming if fully implemented.
Major Highlights of the Report
| Key Findings | Statistics / Details |
| Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions increase | Increased by 1.2% from 2021 to 2022. |
| Days exceeding the 1.5°C temperature threshold | 86 days in the current year have breached it. |
| Emissions trajectory for this century | Current emissions pledges may lead to nearly 3°C warming. |
| Required emissions reduction by 2030 | A 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5°C. |
| Urgency of action | Immediate and unprecedented mitigation action is crucial. |
India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) Goals
- India’s 2015 NDC included eight goals, with three quantitative targets for 2030.
- These targets were related to cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources, reducing emissions intensity of GDP, and creating additional carbon sinks.
- India’s updated NDC commits to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
- India also aims to achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
