The US and a handful of other major economies met the deadline, while nearly all nations missed the mark. A UN database shows only 10 countries submitted new climate plans on time. The submissions are part of the Paris Agreement’s requirement for each country to reduce heat-trapping emissions by 2035.
Global emissions must halve by the end of the decade to limit global warming. UN climate chief Simon Stiell has called this latest round of national pledges “the most important policy documents of this century.” However, many countries missed the deadline due to various reasons, including internal processes and competing priorities.
The European Union, China, India, and Brazil did not submit their plans on time. Most G20 economies were missing in action, with only the US, Britain, and Brazil meeting the deadline. Analysts say China was expected to release its plan soon, but it has been delayed.
Poorer nations lack the financial resources and technical expertise to compile complex climate policies. Big emitters must take responsibility and lead by example, says Evans Njewa, a Malawian diplomat. The delay in submissions will not ease fears of a possible backslide on climate action, as leaders juggle competing priorities.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/almost-nations-miss-un-deadline-110516184.html