Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Countries’ climate pledges would cut emissions by just 6% by 2035, UN says
A UN review found that countries’ current climate pledges would cut emissions by 6% by 2035.
The review covered plans submitted by 154 countries between January 2024 and August 2026, representing 71% of global emissions.
Even if countries meet additional targets that depend on support or other conditions, the cuts would reach only 9%.
Scientists estimate that emissions need to fall about 60% from 2019 levels by 2035 to give the world a reasonable chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
That gap matters because each extra fraction of a degree raises climate risks, including extreme weather and damage to coral reefs.
The UN says current global commitments put the world on course for 2.6°C of warming this century.
COP31 talks in Turkey may help address the shortfall, with a focus on practical steps to put climate plans into effect.
A UN Climate Change report says countries’ latest climate pledges would cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 6% by 2035.
That is far below the roughly 60% reduction from 2019 levels scientists say is needed to have a reasonable chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
Even if countries fully implement their plans and meet conditional targets, the pledges would amount to a 9% cut, the report says.
The report covers submissions from 154 countries received between January 2024 and August 2026, representing 71% of global emissions.
The findings come weeks before COP31 talks in Turkey.
- Who
- The UN Climate Change body assessed climate pledges submitted by 154 countries.
- What
- The pledges would cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 6% by 2035. With conditional targets met, the reduction would be 9%.
- When
- The report was released on Oct 27, 2026.
- Where
- The pledges cover emissions globally. The report was released ahead of COP31 talks in Turkey.
- Why
- The report compares countries’ pledges with the emissions cuts scientists say are needed to limit warming to 1.5°C.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The UN Climate Change report’s 154 country submissions were received.
The UN report said the pledges would cut emissions by 6% by 2035.
COP31 talks were scheduled to take place in Turkey.
- Pledges’ emissions cut
- 6% by 2035
- With conditional targets
- 9% emissions cut by 2035
- Countries covered
- 154
- Share of global emissions covered
- 71%
- Reduction needed for 1.5°C goal
- About 60% from 2019 levels by 2035
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What people are saying
With its focus on practical measures to support greater implementation, the COP31 meeting in Turkey can help address some of the key gaps
If current policies continue, warming could reach 2.8°C this century and increase thereafter, compared with 2.6°C if all NDCs are delivered and similar efforts continue
Every additional fraction of a degree and every additional year spent above 1.5°C increases climate risks and narrows the options for a safe future