The United Nations has recently warned that 2050 net-zero climate goals may already be outdated. This is due to the recent body of evidence that shows that global temperature rise is accelerating far faster than expected.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a United Nations body, has warned that countries must act quickly to reach net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement is an international accord that 194 countries signed in 2015 to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
However, a large body of scientific evidence suggests that these goals are not sufficient and that the world needs to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in order to avoid catastrophic climate change. The IPCC noted in its October 2018 report that even if all countries implement the measures they have committed to under the Paris Agreement, the temperature is likely to rise by 3 degrees Celsius by 2100.
The UN has warned that the current 2050 goals may need to be met earlier in order to keep global temperatures at safe levels. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently urged countries to “come together to boldly chart a new course” to avoid “unprecedented climate suffering”. He also noted that renewable energy sources needed to triple in order to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Scientists have suggested a number of strategies for reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century, including the implementation of policies to reduce emissions, such as a carbon tax, the development of new technologies such as low-carbon electricity and hydrogen production, and more-efficient agricultural practices.
The UN is urging countries to take action as soon as possible in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The latest warnings from the IPCC show that the sooner countries act, the better their chances of avoiding the most damaging impacts of climate change. The UN is also calling on countries to work together to develop strategies to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, or sooner.