Tough task for world leaders at COP30

With the 30th UN climate conference (COP30) starting this week two recent reports show how difficult it is to limit the global temperature increase to under 1.5C.

Firstly, according to a UN review of nations’ carbon-cutting plans only 64 countries out of the 193 member states have submitted new pledges to limit planet-warming gases this year. This is despite all being required to do so by now as part of the 2015 Paris climate agreement and after being given many deadline extensions.

Secondly, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) wrote a letter to the UK government saying Britain had not yet adapted to worsening weather extremes already occurring, let alone what was expected in the future. The independent climate advisers said Great Britain should be prepared to cope with weather extremes as a result of at least 2C increase in global warming by 2050.

The COP30, which begins this Thursday (November 6) until November 21 is in Belém, Brazil, will bring together world leaders, scientists, non-governmental organisations, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William, who is representing King Charles, to discuss priority decisions to tackle climate change.

On the agenda will be action needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C; the presentation of new national action plans (NDCs) and the progress on the finance pledges made at COP29 last year to help the poorer nations.

Many more countries are expected to lodge their action plans at COP30, including large carbon producers such as India and Indonesia, which may have a significant impact on the overall projections for 2035. While experts say some countries, such as China, are also likely to cut carbon dioxide emissions faster and deeper than they’ve promised.

One other important factor will include the planned US pledge submitted under President Biden and what action President Trump will take.

“It’s a daunting agenda and underlines the scale of the task facing world leaders,” said Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox. “Although there has been progress in curbing emissions, the projected fall over the next decade is not enough to stop temperatures surging past global targets.”

The UN’s review includes statements from China and the EU on their future plans made at Climate Week in New York in September this year, which meant that together global emissions of carbon dioxide should fall by around 10 per cent by 2035.

However, scientists say that to keep the rise in world temperatures to under 1.5C, cuts of up to 57 per cent in greenhouse gas emissions are needed by 2035.

To put that in context, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has previously said CO2 levels are at their highest in at least two million years, based on longer-term records like marine sediments and ice cores.

UN scientists have said passing 1.5C will mean more frequent and intense heatwaves and storms, increased damage to coral reefs and growing threats to human health and livelihoods. Already that limit was breached in 2024 for a whole year for the first time.

Meanwhile in the UK, the Climate Change Committee urged the government to set out a framework of “clear long-term objectives” to prevent further temperature rise, with new targets every five years and departments “clearly accountable” for delivering those goals.

The CCC said they would be releasing a major report in May 2026 outlining how the UK can adapt to climate change. It warned that this lack of progress could leave the UK vulnerable to serious economic and health impacts in the decades ahead, from hospitals and care homes to food and water supplies.

“Reducing emissions is therefore essential not just for our climate but also for our economic security and community well-being,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park. “I just hope world leaders make good progress in the next few days on agreeing to cut world emissions.”

For those wanting more advice about what part they could play in helping reduce climate change, call Ron on 0845 474 6641 or contact us here

Caption: The COP30 logo.