G20 Climate Report Card: Assessing Nations' Commitment to a Greener Future
As the leaders convene at the Cop28 conference in Dubai, a stark reality surfaces — none of the G20 countries are on track to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5C target, according to the latest assessment from the Climate Action Tracker.
The report evaluates each nation's climate policies based on their "fair share" contribution, factoring in historical emissions and economic considerations. Shockingly, eight G20 nations, including Argentina, South Korea, and Russia, fall into the "critically insufficient" category, signaling minimal to no action towards achieving the necessary emission reductions.
Even countries with relatively lower historical emissions, such as Turkey and Mexico, face grim prospects due to forecasted increased future emissions. Argentina, in particular, raises concerns as its emissions are expected to soar to 398m metric tonnes by 2030, well beyond the 1.5C-compatible fair share limit of 191m metric tonnes.
The report also sheds light on major players like China, Brazil, Australia, the EU, and the UK, all rated as "highly insufficient." Even the UK, pledging a 1.5C target at Paris, is far from reaching its goal, with emissions forecasted to be about 367m metric tonnes by 2030.
In the "insufficient" category, the US, Japan, South Africa, Germany, and India are highlighted. While some progress is seen, like the US achieving one-third of its 2030 emissions reduction target, concerns linger about potential setbacks with future political changes.
The report concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger international cooperation and enhanced domestic policies. As we approach a potentially disastrous 3C of warming by the century's end, the time to act is now.
Q: How does the Climate Action Tracker assess countries' "fair share" contributions?
A: The assessment considers historical emissions, economic capability, and welfare cost, compiling various perspectives on what is deemed a fair contribution to greenhouse gas reductions.
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