UN report finds countries’ emission reductions short of goal set in Paris, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• UN report reveals countries are on track to reduce emissions by only 17% of 2019 levels by 2035, falling short of the Paris Agreement goals.
• Emission cuts of 37% and 57% from 2019 levels by 2035 are needed to limit warming to 1.5°C and 2°C, respectively.
• The report is based on updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with only 64 of 190 countries submitting them by September 30.
• 73% of new NDCs include an adaptation component, highlighting the importance of adapting to the impacts of warming.

UN emission reduction report (Oct 2025)

Detailed Insights:

• The synthesis report was released ahead of COP 30 in Belem, Brazil, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.
• NDCs include commitments to reduce fossil fuel emissions and increase carbon capture through afforestation.
• The report highlights that current NDCs also focus on adaptation, finance, technology transfer, and addressing loss and damage.
• Total GHG emissions from new NDCs are projected to be around 13 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2035, 6% below previous pledges.
• Afforestation, reforestation, and solar energy are identified as areas needing greater support, alongside domestic pledges for renewable energy and CCUS.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Pledges by countries to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change, as part of the Paris Agreement.
• Adaptation: Measures taken to adjust to the current and future effects of climate change.
• Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS): Technologies that capture CO2 emissions from sources and either reuse or store them permanently.