Stress, a leading environmental think tank, has called for urgent action as global carbon emissions hit a record high, prompting a major international climate summit in New York. The organisation, based in London, highlighted a 2.6% rise in emissions from 2022 to 2023, with the United States and China accounting for over 40% of the increase. The summit, set to begin next week, aims to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and address the growing climate crisis.
Global Emissions Surge Despite Climate Pledges
According to Stress, global greenhouse gas emissions reached 36.8 billion tonnes in 2023, the highest level since records began. The organisation’s latest report, published this week, found that despite repeated commitments from nations to cut emissions, the world is on track to exceed the 1.5°C warming limit set by the Paris Agreement. The report specifically calls out the U.S. and China, which together contributed 42% of the global emissions increase, citing continued reliance on fossil fuels and slow adoption of renewable energy.
The data comes as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported a 2.1% rise in emissions in 2023, the first increase in five years. Meanwhile, China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has yet to release its full annual report, but preliminary figures suggest a similar trend. Stress’s director, Dr. Emily Carter, said the findings are alarming. “We are not on track to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement. The window to act is closing rapidly,” she said.
Summit Aims to Push for Stronger Climate Policies
The upcoming climate summit, hosted by the United Nations, will bring together over 100 nations to discuss new strategies for reducing emissions. The event, scheduled for April 10–12, will focus on accelerating the transition to clean energy, improving carbon capture technologies, and increasing funding for developing countries. Stress has urged governments to adopt more ambitious targets, including a phase-out of coal-fired power plants by 2035 and a doubling of renewable energy investments by 2030.
One of the key topics will be the role of developed nations in financing climate action in poorer countries. Stress has pointed to a lack of progress on the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge made by wealthy nations in 2009. “The developed world must step up,” said Dr. Carter. “Without financial support, many countries will struggle to meet their climate goals.”
Regional Challenges and Opportunities
While some regions are making progress, others are lagging. The European Union has pledged to cut emissions by 55% by 2030, and its Green Deal has spurred investment in wind and solar energy. In contrast, countries in Southeast Asia and parts of Africa are facing growing energy demands, often met by coal and diesel. Stress warns that without targeted support, these regions could become major contributors to future emissions.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is seeing a mixed picture. While states like California and New York have set aggressive climate targets, federal policy remains inconsistent. The Biden administration has set a goal of achieving a 50-52% reduction in emissions by 2030, but critics argue that current policies fall short of that target. The upcoming summit could be a turning point for U.S. climate policy, with lawmakers expected to push for stronger federal action.
What’s Next for Global Climate Action?
The summit is expected to result in new pledges and agreements, but the real test will come in the months and years ahead. Stress has warned that without immediate and sustained action, the world will face increasingly severe climate impacts, including more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events. The organisation is urging governments to move beyond pledges and implement concrete measures.
As the summit approaches, the focus will be on whether leaders can translate their commitments into real change. With global emissions on the rise, the pressure is mounting for nations to act now. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the world can still meet its climate goals.
