• The UNEP’s Emissions Gap Report 2020 assesses the gap between anticipated emission levels in 2030 and levels consistent with a 2°C/1.5°C temperature target.
• The report finds that the 7% emissions decline caused by COVID-19 in 2020 will have a negligible climate impact, however a green pandemic recovery has the potential align 2030 emissions with the 2°C goal.
• The report cautions that net-zero pledges have yet to be reflected in countries’ commitments under the Paris Agreement and backed by rapid action.

IISD, 16 December, 2020.-The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its annual flagship Emissions Gap Report, warning that the world is on track to warm more than 3°C this century. Although COVID-19 caused a brief emissions dip, the report predicts that the long-term impact on climate change will be negligible unless coupled with a green recovery.

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