UNEP says world heading for a ‘serious escalation’ of climate damage

UNEP Warns of Climate Damage Escalation

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its Emissions Gap Report 2025: Off Target, which finds that the world is heading for a "serious escalation" of climate risks and damages.

The report predicts a global temperature rise of 2.3-2.5°C over the course of the century, down from 2.6-2.8°C last year. However, the UNEP warns that nations remain far from meeting the Paris Agreement goal to limit warming to well-below 2°C, while pursuing efforts to stay below 1.5°C.

Scientists tell us that a temporary overshoot above 1.5°C will be difficult to reverse and require "faster and bigger" additional reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The report finds that the multi-decadal average of global temperature rise will exceed 1.5°C, at least temporarily. UN Secretary-General António Guterres commented on the report, highlighting the need for urgent action.

Predicted global temperature rise: 2.3-2.5°C
Paris Agreement goal: limit warming to well-below 2°C, pursuing efforts to stay below 1.5°C
Required action: "faster and bigger" reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

Author's summary: UNEP warns of climate damage escalation due to insufficient emission reductions.

Circular Online — 2025-11-05

UNEP Warns of Climate Damage Escalation

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