Countries must enhance their climate commitments to avoid catastrophic consequences, the UN urges

The UN has issued a stark warning that the world is on track for a disastrous 2.7C temperature rise if nations fail to strengthen their climate plans. A report released on Tuesday reveals that current climate pledges would result in only a 7.5% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, falling far short of the 45% reduction scientists say is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5C—the target for the Cop26 summit in Glasgow.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the findings as a “thundering wake-up call” to world leaders. Despite over 100 countries committing to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, the report warns that without significant emissions cuts in this decade, global heating will escalate to dangerous levels.

Experts are calling for urgent action to curb fossil fuel reliance and for stricter enforcement of climate pledges, as many of the net-zero commitments lack clear, enforceable plans for emissions reductions.