Figure 2b: Atmospheric CO2 concentrations, 1850–2010


OPEN PDF: http://www.unep.org/geo/pdfs/geo5/SPM-02-temperature-carbon-trends.pdf 


The internationally agreed goal of avoiding the adverse effect of climate change is presenting the global community with one of its most serious challenges (Figure 2) that is threatening overall development goals. As progress in reducing the carbon intensity


of and production is consumption being outstripped by increased levels of the climate goal under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) of reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions so as to hold the increase in global average temperature below 2° C above pre- industrial levels will require not only the fulfilment of current pledges but also transformative change towards a low-carbon global economy.


In addition, progress is necessary on preparing and implementing national plans of action on climate change, including nationally appropriate mitigation action and national adaptation plans of action. Complementary action to address short-lived climate forcers – black carbon, methane and tropospheric ozone, which are air pollutants that also warm the planet – can cost-effectively reduce the rate of temperature increase in the near term while reducing risks to human health and food production.

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