Comment on NDC synthesis report

Commenting on the publication of the NDC Synthesis report by the UN climate convention, Gareth Redmond-King, COP26 Communications and Engagement Lead at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: “Nine months into a critical decade for climate action, and six weeks out from the UN climate summit in Glasgow, these numbers are stark: emissions are still increasing, and without more ambition and urgency we’re on track for a catastrophic 2.7°C of warming by the end of the century.

“This is not an alarm, nor is it a wake-up call; those have passed already. This and other evidence this week from WRI and Climate Analytics make abundantly clear where the gaps are. G20 nations account for three quarters of global annual emissions, and yet only around half of those are covered by NDCs that reflect ambition. If G20 nations step up with stronger pledges now – supported by wealthy nations delivering their promise of $100bn a year in climate finance – they could limit warming to 1.7°C. If the two most powerful G20 nations lead the way – China with much deeper short-term emissions cuts, and the US with much more money for developing nations – then others may follow. More ambition to close this gap – along with real-world action to phase out coal, end deforestation, and make rapid cuts to methane – could yet ensure that the world can leave COP26 in Glasgow with the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5°C within reach.”