Most countries failed to submit updated plans to curb greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris Agreement in a year that was expected to show progress in the global fight against climate change, a UN report said Tuesday.
Only 64 countries, roughly one-third of signatories, had submitted new pledges, according to the UN assessment. If fully implemented, the plans would reduce emissions by 17% by 2035, compared to 2019 levels — far below the 37% global reduction needed to limit warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit).
The report included a US climate plan proposed under the administration of now-former US President Joe Biden, which current US President Donald Trump had previously indicated he would not implement.
Smaller and developing nations often wait for larger emitters to lead, leaving heavy polluters such as India and Saudi Arabia without submitted plans.
The European Union offered only an unofficial statement of its intentions, while China pledged a 7% – 10% reduction over the next decade, days before the deadline, but has yet to formally submit its plan.
The EU stated that it is on track to meet its previous target of reducing emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 and aims to reduce emissions by 66.25% to 72.5% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels.
The UN said if current climate plans are implemented, including those of China and the EU, global emissions could decline by around 10% by 2035.
