UN warns global temperatures heading for 2.8C rise by 2100

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 06:32 · Archive

The United Nations says global temperatures are on track to rise by 2.8C by the end of the century unless nations make urgent emission cuts.

The United Nations has warned that global temperatures are on track to rise by 2.8C by the end of the century unless nations take urgent action to cut emissions from coal, oil and gas. The 110-page Emissions Gap Report 2026: The Point of Return, published on Wednesday, found that global warming projections had worsened since the US withdrew from the Paris Agreement, with the most optimistic warming forecast now at 2.1C.

To limit warming to its most optimistic pathway, nations must cut greenhouse gas emissions by 18 per cent by 2030, 45 per cent by 2035 and 69 per cent by 2040 compared with 2025 levels. Energy generation from coal would need to fall by 75 per cent in 2035 and be effectively phased out by 2040. Meeting the target would also require more renewable energy and the removal and storage of carbon dioxide.

In the most optimistic scenario, global warming would peak in the middle of the century at 1.7 to 1.8C, with a 50 per cent chance of returning to 1.5C by 2100. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the changes outlined in the report were achievable and could reduce the risk of climate disasters such as heatwaves, bushfires and floods. The findings come weeks after the UN warned the world would overshoot its 1.5C warming target, and before leaders gather in Antalya, Turkey to discuss future climate targets at COP31.

How it is being reported

• 'No surrender': UN urges action as 1.5C goal slips awayGlobal temperatures are on track to rise by 2.8C by the end of the century unless nations make deep emission cuts, including those from coal, oil and gas.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 06:03
• 'No surrender': UN urges action as 1.5C goal slips awayGlobal temperatures are on track to rise by 2.8C by the end of the century unless nations make deep emission cuts, including those from coal, oil and gas.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 06:03

In this story: United Nations · United Nations Environment Programme · Antonio Guterres · Antalya · Turkey · United States

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