The world is warming and the clock is ticking. The Earth is on track for a 3.1°C increase in global temperature by the end of this century, according to a new report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

This isn’t just an abstract number. This is the difference between a livable future and a world in crisis. If humanity is to avoid catastrophic global warming, greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced now. There are no reservations in UNEP’s latest annual report. This is a reminder of the urgent action needed to keep global warming to a manageable 1.5°C.

Global emissions and climate disaster

The situation is as bleak as it seems. The planet is on the verge of an ecological disaster, but this is not yet a decisive moment.

Countries will grapple with difficult choices at the upcoming UN Cop29 talks to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is a high-stakes meeting as they seek to raise the stakes on their strategies to combat climate change, including providing financial aid to developing countries to combat climate change and close the emissions gap.

“Either leaders close the emissions gap or we dive headfirst into a climate catastrophe that will hit the poorest and most vulnerable hardest,” said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Guterres laid out the options clearly: Countries either close the emissions gap or are rapidly approaching climate catastrophe, and those living on the brink will pay the highest price.

Paris Agreement and global temperature

In the 2015 Paris Agreement, the world committed to limiting temperature rise to well below 2°C, with a more ambitious target of limiting warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial times. Although 1.5°C is still a risky possibility, it is considered the limit where we will encounter the most severe effects of climate change.

The UNEP report states that global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and will increase by 1.3% in 2023 compared to 2022 levels. Experts also found that G20 countries are responsible for 77% of emissions.

If current policies continue, the planet is heading towards 3.1°C of global warming. Even if countries stick to their climate action plans until 2030, there will be a temperature increase of 2.6-2.8°C on Earth. The problem is that most countries fail to achieve the goals of these plans.

Strategies to limit temperature rise

So what is the battle plan to save the Earth from catastrophic global warming? UNEP has some ideas. The first step is that countries must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and 57% by 2035.

These are not random numbers. These reductions are scientifically accurate due to significant increases in renewable energy capacity, increased energy efficiency, and a shift away from fossil fuels. The plan also calls for the protection and restoration of natural habitats such as forests and mangroves, which play a vital role in sequestering carbon.

The urgency of reducing emissions

Antonio Guterres did not hesitate to explain the harsh reality that people will face if they continue on this path. “We need global mobilization on an unprecedented scale and pace – we need to start now before the next round of climate commitments – otherwise the 1.5°C target will soon be unachievable and will be replaced in intensive care by temperatures well below 2°C.” said Guterres.

He emphasized the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ending dependence on fossil fuels, accelerating the implementation of renewable energy sources and ending deforestation. Guterres also discussed setting new fiscal targets for COP29 to provide significant funding to developing countries to combat climate change.

Reducing the consequences of climate change with the help of technology

Technological innovation offers hope despite the challenges of climate change. Advances in renewable energies such as solar, wind and hydroelectricity are reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Advanced batteries and smart grid technology manage energy distribution and usage.

Artificial intelligence and data analytics optimize energy use and reduce waste, while carbon capture technologies reduce emissions in industry. These innovations require significant investment and global teamwork for successful implementation; this underlines the need for international partnerships and knowledge sharing.

Individual and public actions

While government policies and technological advances are changing the rules of the game in combating climate change, the actions of individuals and communities are also an important piece of the puzzle. People can reduce their carbon footprint by making conscious choices, such as reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste and choosing environmentally friendly transportation methods.

Community initiatives such as urban greening, tree planting, and local energy cooperatives are catalyzing grassroots drives for environmental change. These upward movements empower citizens and foster a culture of sustainability, reflecting the idea that every small action matters and collective efforts lead to significant environmental impacts.

Preventing catastrophic global warming

Countries need decisive action to prevent climate disaster. Even if countries exceed the 1.5°C target, humanity must strive for a zero-emission, sustainable and prosperous world, according to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.

“Even if the world exceeds 1.5°C, and the likelihood of that increases every day, we must continue to strive for a net-zero, sustainable and prosperous world,” Anderson said.

“The issues are each one degree avoided in terms of lives saved, economies protected, harms avoided, conservation of biodiversity and the ability to rapidly reduce any extreme temperatures,” Anderson said.