UNEP Releases Limiting Overshoot Report on Climate Impacts

Why in News?

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a report titled Limiting Overshoot, warning that global warming is likely to exceed the 1.5°C target within a few years.

Key Points

• Climate overshoot means global warming stays above the 1.5°C Paris target for years or decades before declining.
• Even in the most optimistic scenario, warming is projected to peak near 1.8°C; other scenarios exceed 2°C.
• Parts of Africa could face 250–300 heatwave days a year between 2065 and 2100, with severe risks to cities and ecosystems.
• The report calls for faster cuts in carbon dioxide and methane emissions along with stronger adaptation measures.

Exam Connect

• Paris Agreement → adopted at COP21 (2015) → aims to keep warming well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C
• UNEP → established 1972 after Stockholm Conference → headquarters Nairobi, Kenya