Inger Andersen: Emissions must be reduced by 41% by 2030 to achieve 1.5-degree goal

To keep global warming below 1.5 degrees, atmospheric emissions need to be reduced by 41% by 2030, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said at a high-level meeting during COP29 on "Forests for Climate, Nature and People: Using Climate Finance for Forests."

She noted that atmospheric emissions have increased by 1.3%.

"This is not what should be happening; they should have been on a downward trend. In fact, our calculations tell us very clearly that if we want to keep warming within 1.5 degrees, and I want to assure you that we really want this, we must reduce emissions by 41% by 2030," said Andersen.

According to her, this is a very challenging task since climate action has been delayed for 30 years. "Now is the time to act, and forests can play a key role if humanity is ready to give them this opportunity. There are promises that need to be fulfilled," Andersen said.

She added that forests can provide emission reductions of 19% by 2030. "We will achieve the rest through renewable energy sources. This is quite feasible. And that's why we need to invest in forests," she emphasized.

Andersen also pointed out the crucial importance of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.