What exactly is the Emissions Gap?
- Emissions Gap is also known as the Commitment Gap. Emissions Gap is basically the difference between the lowest levels of emissions what the World needs to follow and what is being done in reality to curb the hazardous levels of climate change. It takes into account the current commitments which we are undertaking to ensure decarbonization.
Who released the Emission Gap Report 2019?
- It is the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) that has released the Emission Gap Report 2019.
- Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya
Why is the Emissions Gap so important for us?
- The emissions gap is, without any doubt, extremely important for us due to the sheer fact that if we are unable to comply with the targets mentioned therein, it is us who will face the dire consequences. We, the common denizens, will have to face the severe impacts of climate change. Hence, it is of utmost importance that both the citizens as well as the policymakers are very much aware of the concept of energy gap so that all possible endeavours are executed as well as implemented in order to achieve the common goal.
The major findings of UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2019
- The top four emitters of greenhouse gas on a global scale are as follows:-
- China
- United States of America (USA)
- European Union (28)
- India
- The Report warns all the countries across the Globe that the global temperature is likely to rise by 3.2 degree Celsius by the year 2100. The coral reefs would be reduced by 70-90% if this happens. Moreover, there will be heatwaves, as well as frequent floods as well as droughts. In spite of all measures such as political commitments, laws and scientific warnings the emission of the Green House Gases (GHG) has not decreased. The Emission Gap Report 2019 also claims that there has been a considerable rise (about 1.5%) in the emissions of Green House Gases (GHG). The rise in Carbon dioxide levels is extremely high since the last decade. It has reached 55.3 Gigatons, which is a whopping figure.
The major findings of UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2019 with respect to India:
- The United Nations Environment Programme has clearly highlighted the fact India, on a regular basis, is trying to curb the Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Going by this report, within G20 countries, the per capita emission in the case of India is one of the lowest. The report also stated that India is trying its best to find an alternative such as e-vehicles.
Possible Remedies
- The countries across the Globe must try to reduce the Greenhouse Gas emissions by up to at least 5 times.
- We have no option but to resort to sources other than fossil fuels. We can opt for renewable energy sources.
- Complete de-carbonization of the energy sector must be done.
- We should try to achieve the target of 12.1 Gigatons (GT) of emission reduction by the year 2050.
- We must switch to electric vehicles. Only through electrification of transport, we can reduce the harmful emissions from our vehicles.
- We can also resort to plantation of trees and try to increase the forest cover.
Questions:
Q: 1. Which organization releases the Emission Gap Report 2019?A. WHO
B. ILO
C. UNWTO
D. UNEP
E. None of these
Answer: D
Explanation: As mentioned in the passage the Emission Gap Report 2019 is released by UNEP.
Q: 2. Which country is at the top in terms of emitters of greenhouse gas?
A. India
B. US
C. China
D. EU
E. None of these
Answer: C
Explanation: China is at the top in terms of emitters of greenhouse gas, as mentioned in the passage.
Q: 3. Where is the Headquarters of UNEP?
A. India
B. Kenya
C. US
D. UK
E. Switzerland
Answer: B
Explanation: The Headquarters of UNEP is in Nairobi, Kenya.
