Climate Action Now

The Earth's climate is changing at an unprecedented rate, and human activity is the primary cause. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities have led to a significant increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2). These greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun and warm the Earth's surface, leading to a range of impacts such as rising sea levels, more frequent and severe heat waves, and more intense and frequent extreme weather events.

To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the international community has agreed to limit average global warming to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has found that global CO2 emissions must be reduced by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by around 2050.

global mean temperature increase by 2100 IPCC

However, current climate pledges and commitments are not enough to meet this goal. According to the latest research, if all countries meet their current targets, the global average temperature is still projected to increase by 3.2°C by 2100. This significant gap between our current targets and the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement is known as the "emissions gap". To close this gap and avoid the worst impacts of climate change, much stronger and more rapid emissions reductions are necessary.

global greenhouse gas emissions pledges and targets UNEP

Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in addressing climate change and closing the emissions gap. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in clean energy, and protecting and restoring natural systems that absorb CO2. By taking action now, we can avoid the worst impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.


There has been a recent increase in the adoption of net-zero emissions targets, and while these targets are commendable, governments and businesses must set even stronger climate targets if we are going to meet the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. If we fail to meet these targets, we risk irreversible disruption and damage to our socioeconomic systems and ecosystems.


By working together and taking urgent and ambitious action, we can close the emissions gap and protect the most vulnerable communities from the worst impacts of climate change. It is not too late to take action, but time is running out. The choices we make today will have a significant impact on the future of our planet and all its inhabitants.

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Closing the Emissions Gap