Global net-zero targets in jeopardy as rich countries lag behind

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🗞️ Driving the news: Bill Gates has called on high-income nations to urgently prioritize their net-zero commitments, warning that global decarbonisation is off-track and that rich countries have a moral obligation to lead
• Speaking at the Ecosperity event in Singapore, Gates emphasized that wealthy nations must reach net zero regardless of whether global targets are met, to set a credible example for the rest of the world

🔭 The context: Despite over 100 countries having pledged to achieve net-zero emissions — covering more than 80% of global GHG output — recent UN assessments show alarming delays
• Only 13 countries submitted updated national climate plans by the February 2025 deadline
• Rich nations, including the U.S. and China, remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, even as scientific consensus warns that emissions must fall 45% by 2030 to keep global warming below 1.5°C

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The failure of high-income countries to meet their decarbonisation promises undermines global climate credibility and puts vulnerable nations at greater risk
• Developing countries, often hardest hit by climate impacts, are making ambitious commitments without the financial and technological support they need
• Rich countries have the means but risk becoming a liability to international progress through inaction or retreat

⏭️ What's next: Pressure is mounting ahead of the UN climate talks later this year, where attention will focus on accountability and finance for both mitigation and adaptation
• Gates underscored the need for bold innovation investments and better access to risk capital to accelerate climate tech deployment
• Without stronger action, current NDCs will cut emissions by only 2.6% by 2030 — far short of the required 43%

💬 One quote: “We need the examples,” Gates said. “The sooner we get there, the better”

📈 One stat: Only 13 of 195 Paris Agreement signatories met the 2025 deadline to submit updated climate plans — covering just 17% of global emissions

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