MITIGATION GOAL
Secure global net zero and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
The world is currently not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The targets announced in Paris would result in warming well above 3 degrees by 2100 compared to pre-industrial levels.
If we continue as we are, temperatures will carry on rising, bringing even more catastrophic flooding, bush fires, extreme weather and destruction of species.
More needs to be done
We have made progress in recent months to bend the temperature curve closer to 2 degrees; but the science shows that much more must be done to keep 1.5 degrees in reach.
The world needs to halve emissions over the next decade and reach net zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century if we are to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees.
Nationally Determined Contributions
As part of the Paris Agreement, every country agreed to communicate or update their emissions reduction targets – their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) – every five years to reflect their highest possible ambition and a progression over time.
These targets set out how far countries plan to reduce emissions across their entire economy and/or in specific sectors.
2020 marked the end of the first of these five-year cycles. This means that countries are expected to update their 2030 targets before we meet in Glasgow. It is especially important that developed countries and the largest emitters take the lead.
While targets are important, they must translate into action, and fast. To do this, the UK COP Presidency is working with countries and partners to: Accelerate the transition from coal to clean power Protect and restore nature for the benefit of people and climate
Accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles