The UN deadline for submitting updated carbon reduction targets has lapsed, with 10 out of nearly 200 countries, including major emitters, failing to comply. While some nations like the U.S. and U.K. made symbolic pledges, overall progress remains insufficient. France and the EU are struggling to meet reduction goals, prompting concerns about achieving Paris Agreement commitments. Nations are now aiming for a revised September deadline to bolster climate strategies.
The deadline for nations to submit updated carbon reduction targets to the United Nations has officially passed, with a substantial number of countries failing to meet the requirement. Major emitters, including China, India, and the European Union, were notably absent from the list of compliant nations. Only 10 out of nearly 200 participating countries managed to present their revised commitments, underscoring the challenges of achieving global cooperation on climate change.
As outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, nations were tasked to propose more ambitious climate goals by 2035 and delineate strategies to accomplish these objectives. Regrettably, most G20 countries did not fulfill this obligation. Among the few exceptions were the United States, United Kingdom, and Brazil, with the U.S. commitment largely viewed as symbolic due to its previous withdrawal from the agreement under President Donald Trump.
Despite France’s pivotal role in shaping European climate policy, its efforts have fallen short in aligning ambitions with tangible outcomes. The French government aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Nevertheless, it had only achieved a 25 percent reduction by mid-2023, promoting skepticism regarding the effectiveness of recent reports that claimed an almost six percent emission drop.
The European Union has experienced varied success in meeting its climate targets, achieving a 37 percent emissions reduction from 1990 levels by 2023. However, forecasts from the European Commission indicate that unless current policies are intensified, the EU is likely to fall short of its legally binding target of a 55 percent reduction by 2030. Significant challenges remain in sectors like agriculture, heating, and road transport.
The absence of timely submissions raises critical questions about the ability of nations to fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement. UN climate chief Simon Stiell referred to this round of climate pledges as “the most important policy documents of this century.” Nevertheless, the slow pace of major economies in addressing climate change and various geopolitical uncertainties present considerable hurdles ahead.
As nations now look toward a revised submission deadline in September, there is cautious optimism that delayed commitments may still encourage progressive climate policies. The European Commission has expressed its intent to submit updated targets ahead of Brazil’s Cop30 summit in November, while analysts expect China to finalize its long-awaited climate plan in the near future.
The passing of the UN deadline for updated climate targets highlights the ongoing struggle of nations to collaborate effectively on climate change initiatives. Major emitters like China, India, and the EU have not submitted revised commitments, raising concerns about the future of international climate efforts. The focus now shifts to a renewed deadline in September, with limited but hopeful expectations for more ambitious policies to be put forth.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
