New national climate plans from more than 60 countries would reduce global carbon emissions by only 10% by 2035, just a fraction of what is needed to meet the 1.5C Paris Agreement target, according to a UN analysis released on Tuesday.
The plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), outline how countries intend to cut emissions over the next decade. The UN’s review found progress but warned that the pace of change remains far too slow.
“We have a serious need for more speed,” said Simon Stiell, the UN’s top climate official. “That acceleration must start now.”
Some major emitters, including China and the EU, have yet to formally submit updated NDCs. China’s proposed plan — cutting carbon by only 7–10% from its peak by 2035 — has been criticised as weak, while the EU is still debating its own target range. The United States’ last submission under Joe Biden may also be void if Donald Trump follows through on his plan to withdraw from the Paris deal again.
The findings come ahead of Cop30, the next UN climate summit in Belém, Brazil, starting 10 November, where leaders are expected to confront the widening gap between pledges and action. Brazil aims to spotlight the financial support developing nations need to meet emissions targets and adapt to climate impacts.
Analysts say the report highlights the need for stronger political will and coordination. Gareth Redmond-King of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit said: “Even with net zero targets covering most of the global economy, progress is not fast enough to deliver the Paris goals.”
Steffen Menzel of the thinktank E3G added that slow or weak pledges from major emitters are undermining global efforts.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prince William are set to attend the Brazil summit, where the UK’s own progress toward its 2030 electricity decarbonisation goal will come under scrutiny.
