Despite a dip in greenhouse gas emissions from the COVID-19 economic slowdown, the world is still heading for a catastrophic temperature rise above 3°C this century – far beyond the goals of the Paris Agreement. But UNEP’s Emissions Gap points to hope in a green pandemic recovery and growing commitments to net-zero emissions.
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There had been the assumption – even hopes – that the pandemic would have reduced pollution and emissions:
Coronavirus: the impact on the environment – Vision Group for Sidmouth
Have coronavirus concerns shut down talk of climate change? – Vision Group for Sidmouth
But it became clear that there was minimal impact:
Covid has had little impact on carbon emissions – Vision Group for Sidmouth
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A new report just out verifies that:
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UNEP Emissions Gap report urges “green pandemic recovery”
A green pandemic recovery could cut up to 25 per cent off predicted 2030 greenhouse gas emissions and bring the world closer to meeting the 2°C goal of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report finds.
UNEP’s annual Emissions Gap Report 2020 finds that, despite a dip in 2020 carbon dioxide emissions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is still heading for a temperature rise in excess of 3°C this century.
However, if governments invest in climate action as part of pandemic recovery and solidify emerging net-zero commitments with strengthened pledges at the next climate meeting – taking place in Glasgow in November 2021 – they can bring emissions to levels broadly consistent with the 2°C goal…
UNEP Emissions Gap report urges “green pandemic recovery” | World Meteorological Organization
Emissions Gap Report 2020 | UNEP – UN Environment Programme
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The media in the UK and beyond has focussed on the disappointments of the last year:
Coronavirus lockdown only cut 2050 temperatures by 0.01 per cent | Daily Mail Online
Covid lockdowns will only lower 2050 temperatures by 0.01C, predicts UN | Environment | The Guardian
Despite COVID-19 lockdowns, world heads to temperature rise: UN report | World News – India TV
World set for 3C warming despite pandemic, pledges: UN – France 24
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However, some are focussing on the positive inputs from the UN report:
Green pandemic recovery essential to close climate action gap – DTU
UN: ‘Green recovery’ essential to close on-going emissions gap
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With more from the UN:
Despite a dip in greenhouse gas emissions from the COVID-19 economic slowdown, the world is still heading for a catastrophic temperature rise above 3°C this century – far beyond the goals of the Paris Agreement. But UNEP’s Emissions Gap points to hope in a green pandemic recovery and growing commitments to net-zero emissions.
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