Press statement on the UN Emissions Gap Report **The Emissions Gap Report, released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on 26th October 2021, provides an update on the progress towards meeting global climate commitments. ** The report finds that countries are not doing enough to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as agreed in the Paris Agreement. Emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050 to achieve this goal. However, the report finds that current policies will only lead to a reduction of 7.5% by 2030. The gap between the reductions needed and those pledged is therefore 37.5%. The report also finds that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a small impact on global emissions. Emissions fell by 5.8% in 2020, but are expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels by 2023. The report concludes that countries need to urgently step up their climate action if they are to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement. "The Emissions Gap Report is a stark reminder that the world is not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius," said Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director. "We need to urgently step up our climate action if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change." The report makes a number of recommendations for how countries can reduce their emissions, including: * Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency * Shifting to more sustainable food and agriculture systems * Protecting and restoring forests * Reducing emissions from industry * Implementing carbon pricing The report also calls for increased international cooperation on climate change. **Quotes from the report:** "The Emissions Gap Report is a clear warning that we are not on track to meet our climate goals. We need to urgently step up our climate action if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change." - Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director "The COVID-19 pandemic has had a small impact on global emissions, but it is not enough to put us on track to meet our climate goals. We need to use the recovery from the pandemic as an opportunity to build a more sustainable and resilient future." - John Christensen, Director of the Global Climate Observing System **Sources:** [UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2021](https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2021) [Paris Agreement](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement)
