US is a big reason for the world losing ground in the fight against climate change, UN report says
Summary
A new United Nations report says the world is losing ground in the fight against climate change, with U.S. policy and rising emissions worsening the outlook. If countries deliver on their promises, global temperatures are still projected to rise far beyond the Paris Agreement target.
Key Points
- The United Nations Environment Programme says the world is headed for a hotter future than last year’s projections, with the United States a major reason for the worsening outlook.
- The report says the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and a rebound in coal power helped drive higher emissions, while other major economies mostly reduced or slowed pollution growth.
- Even if countries meet their climate pledges, the planet is still on track to warm 2.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by 2100, far above the Paris goals.
- UN officials and climate scientists warn that deeper emissions cuts are urgently needed, or the costs and risks of extreme heat, floods and ecosystem collapse will keep rising.
