Consider the statement about the United in Science report 2023 (Sustainable Development Edition):-
1. To get on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals of limiting warming to well below 2 °C and preferably 1.5 °C
2. Fossil fuel CO2 emissions increased 1% globally in 2022 compared to 2021
3. Preliminary estimates from January-June 2023 show a further 0.8% rise in fossil fuel CO₂ emissions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct option is A

​The correct answer is (a) Statement 1 and 2

Explanation:

• ​Statement 1 is correct: The United in Science 2023 (Sustainable Development Edition) emphasized the need for urgent action to stay on track for meeting the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C.
• Statement 2 is correct: The report indicates that fossil fuel CO2 emissions increased by 1% globally in 2022 compared to 2021, reflecting the growing challenges to reducing emissions.
• Statement 3 is also correct in terms of factual data but is not part of the correct answer in this specific question. It highlights that preliminary data for the first half of 2023 shows a further 0.8% increase in emissions.

Thus, Statements 1 and 2 together are correct.

Information Booster:

• The United in Science 2023 report underscores the urgency of accelerating action on climate change to meet the targets set in the Paris Agreement.
• It brings attention to the slow pace of reducing emissions and the alarming rise in CO2 levels despite international climate commitments.
• The report stresses that to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a 45% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (from 2010 levels) is required.
• It also highlights that fossil fuel emissions remain a primary source of the problem, with a rise in emissions seen in 2022 and early 2023.

United in Science 2024 Report:

• United in Science 2024 report, launched by WMO in September 2024, aligns with global goals like the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The first United in Science report was published in 2019
• Key findings:
• Global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 1.2% in 2022, reaching 57.4 billion tons of CO2 equivalent.
• 2023 was the warmest year on record, with 2024 seeing high global temperatures.
• There is an 80% chance that global temperatures will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in the next five years.
• Without stronger policies, global warming could reach 3°C by century's end.
• Technological advances:
• AI, machine learning, and space-based Earth observations are enhancing weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
• Immersive technologies like digital twins and VR are improving water and land management.
• Transdisciplinary approach:
• Combining science, technology, and collaboration with local communities is crucial for solving global challenges.
• Early Warnings for All initiative benefits from integrating technological advances with participatory methods like citizen science.
• Challenges:
• Data gaps, financial limitations, and governance issues remain obstacles.
• Global partnerships across governments, private sectors, and civil society are essential to tackle these challenges.

Lead contributing organizations: WMO, Met Office (UK), Global Carbon Project, UNEP, ECMWF, UNOOSA, ITU, UNCCD, International Science Council.

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