According to a recent study by the Global Carbon Project, it is now inevitable that the 1.5°C global warming threshold will be exceeded consistently over the next few years. This announcement, made at the UN climate meeting in Dubai, highlights the urgency of taking action against climate change.
CO2 Emissions Reach Record Levels
The study predicts that global CO2 emissions, mainly due to the use of fossil fuels, will reach a new record in 2023. This steady rise in emissions underlines the failure of current efforts to limit global warming.
The Paris Agreement and today’s challenge
Despite the Paris Agreement’s target of not exceeding +1.5°C, current measures to reduce carbon emissions remain insufficient. Scientists insist on the need for rapid and significant action to maintain the 2°C target.
Slow Emission Reduction Measures
Efforts to reduce emissions from fossil fuels are judged to be painfully slow. Scientists are calling for immediate action to avoid crossing the critical threshold of +1.5°C.
CO2 emissions in figures
Total global CO2 emissions are expected to reach 40.9 billion tonnes in 2023, four times higher than in 1960. This steady rise in emissions highlights the urgency of the current climate situation.
Countries’ insufficient efforts
Although some countries have succeeded in reducing their fossil fuel emissions, these efforts remain insufficient in the face of the scale of the climate challenge. The resumption of international air transport and the continued use of coal, particularly in China and India, are contributing to the rise in emissions.
The Role of India and Other Countries in Emissions
India, the world’s third biggest CO2 emitter, is seeing its emissions rise rapidly. However, on a per capita basis, its emissions remain well below those of the United States and Europe.
The year 2024 promises to be a critical one for global warming, with the rise of El Niño. Scientists call for immediate global action to avoid catastrophic warming.
