Global Climate Pledge Deadline Missed by Majority of Nations
Nearly 200 nations failed to meet the UN’s February 10 deadline to submit updated climate targets under the Paris Agreement, with only 10 countries—including the UAE, New Zealand, and Switzerland—complying on time, Arab News reported. Major polluters like China, India, and the EU were notably absent, while most G20 economies delayed submissions except the US, UK, and Brazil (host of November’s COP30 summit).
The Paris Accord requires nations to outline steeper emissions cuts by 2035 and detailed implementation plans. Despite urgent warnings from UN climate chief Simon Stiell, who called these pledges “the most important policy documents of this century,” global emissions continue rising. Current trajectories must halve by 2030 to meet the 1.5°C warming limit.
The US submission, finalized before President Trump’s 2025 withdrawal from the Paris deal, remains symbolic. While late submissions face no penalties, they undermine accountability efforts. The EU pledged to deliver its plan “well ahead” of COP30, and China is expected to release its strategy later this year.
Analysts warn that geopolitical tensions—including Trump’s return to office and competing crises—risk derailing climate progress. Ebony Holland of the International Institute for Environment and Development noted “broad geopolitical shifts” are complicating international cooperation. With the UN urging finalized plans by September, the sluggish response fuels concerns over delayed action ahead of critical climate talks.
