Important Facts of the News
- The 2025 Emissions Gap Report was released by the United Nations Environment Programme in Nairobi.
- Even if all national climate pledges are met by 2035, global warming is projected to reach 2.3°C.
- The previous year’s projection estimated a rise of 2.6°C.
- Scientists say temporary warming beyond 1.5°C is now expected by early 2030s.
- Global net-zero emissions must be reached by 2050 to limit damage.
- The report emphasizes cutting methane emissions, ending fossil fuel expansion and tripling renewable capacity by 2030.
- Developing countries require major climate finance support to shift to clean energy and adapt to climate impacts.
- Annual climate finance for developing nations must reach $1.3 trillion by 2035.
- COP30 in Belém is expected to define a stronger global implementation strategy.
Global Warming Projections Require Faster Action
The latest Emissions Gap Report released in Nairobi indicates that although current climate policies and commitments have narrowed the projected rise in global temperatures, the progress remains insufficient. If all existing national commitments are implemented fully by 2035, the world would still experience warming of around 2.3°C. This reflects some improvement from the earlier estimate of 2.6°C, but the level of risk remains high.
Temporary Overshoot of 1.5°C Now Considered Likely
Scientists now expect that the global temperature increase will exceed 1.5°C temporarily, possibly starting in the early 2030s. This temporary overshoot is associated with significant consequences, including threats to lives, livelihoods and sustainable development achievements. The priority, therefore, is to keep this overshoot as limited and short as possible.
Renewables Reshaping the Energy Landscape
The report highlights that renewable energy technologies are becoming cheaper and more widely adopted. Clean electricity is now considered the least expensive and fastest to deploy in many regions. It also contributes to energy security, reduces pollution and supports employment generation. The call is to accelerate this shift by tripling renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
Climate Finance Remains a Critical Challenge
A major concern outlined in the report is the lack of affordable financing for developing countries. High capital costs and limited investment flows restrict clean energy transitions. Expanding concessional finance, restructuring debt and reforming global financial institutions are essential to enable developing nations to transition effectively.
Looking Ahead to COP30
The upcoming COP30 in Belém is viewed as a pivotal moment. Governments are expected to commit to stronger climate action, including mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries by 2035. The report stresses that keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach depends on decisions made within this decade.
Conclusion
The report affirms that while the path to limiting global warming to 1.5°C remains narrow, it is still open. Swift, coordinated and sustained action on emissions reduction, renewable energy expansion and climate finance can ensure a more secure and equitable future for all.