UN warns: Global emissions too high to meet Paris temp goal

The coal-fired Plant Scherer, one of the top carbon dioxide emitters in the U.S. Photo: Branden Camp / AP

Two new analyses from the United Nations and from PwC UK show that worldwide efforts to stem greenhouse gas emissions aren't nearly enough to prevent very dangerous levels of warming.

Why it matters: Despite data suggesting a recent plateau in global carbon output, the world is not poised for steep cuts needed to limit warming to 2 degrees (or even 1.5 degrees) Celsius above preindustrial levels, which is a goal of the Paris climate deal.