We are leaving emissions cuts too late

EMISSIONS are still way too high to stop dangerous climate change, warns a new report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

To stop the Earth warming more than 2 ?C above preindustrial levels, global emissions must peak at 44 gigatonnes in 2020 and then fall. However, the report says that 2020 emissions are likely to be between 8 to 13 gigatonnes higher. This range is calculated on how well or not countries deliver on their pledges to cut emissions. So in the best-case scenario, where everyone meets their targets, emissions are still 8 Gt too high.

This "emissions gap" has grown: first estimates by UNEP in 2010 put it at between 5 and 9 Gt.

Unless drastic action is taken soon, we are likely to see a 4 ?C rise this century, warns Simon Anderson at the International Institute for Environment and Development in Edinburgh, UK.

A report from the World Bank, also published this week, paints a stark picture of a 4 ?C warmer world riven by severe heatwaves, floods and droughts. "It will be absolutely catastrophic for certain parts of the world," Anderson says.

By delaying emissions cuts, the world is simply deciding to pay more for them later, he says.

If you would like to reuse any content from New Scientist, either in print or online, please contact the syndication department first for permission. New Scientist does not own rights to photos, but there are a variety of licensing options available for use of articles and graphics we own the copyright to.

Have your say

Only subscribers may leave comments on this article. Please log in.

Only personal subscribers may leave comments on this article

Subscribe now to comment.

All comments should respect the New Scientist House Rules. If you think a particular comment breaks these rules then please use the "Report" link in that comment to report it to us.

If you are having a technical problem posting a comment, please contact technical support.

Source: http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/25d21973/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Carticle0Cmg216289230B10A0A0Ewe0Eare0Eleaving0Eemissions0Ecuts0Etoo0Elate0Bhtml0Dcmpid0FRSS0QNSNS0Q20A120EGLOBAL0Qonline0Enews/story01.htm

hunger games Ronda Rousey Joey Kovar Expendables 2 Pussy Riot National Hurricane Center Zeek Rewards