0
0
By Denise Kyalwahi
Despite the growing integration of climate issues into public policies, countries’ efforts remain insufficient to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement. This is the conclusion drawn from three reports published by UN Climate Change on October 27, 2026, just days before the opening of COP31, scheduled to take place in Türkiye.
Governments are increasingly adopting initiatives to integrate the fight against climate change into their economic and social policies. However, the progress achieved remains far below the ambitions set out in the Paris Agreement. This is highlighted in three new reports published by UN Climate Change on October 27, 2026, which particularly point to the gap between national commitments and the emission reductions required to limit global warming.
These assessments come ahead of the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to take place from November 9 to 20 in Antalya, Türkiye. The international gathering is expected to provide an opportunity for countries to strengthen their commitments and identify practical solutions to accelerate their implementation.
According to UN Climate Change, climate policies are gradually taking on a broader, more comprehensive dimension. They are no longer limited to ministries responsible for environmental affairs but increasingly involve local authorities, businesses, civil society organisations and other development stakeholders.
In his statement, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell emphasised that governments are increasingly recognising the role of climate action in driving economic growth, creating jobs and ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy.
Nevertheless, he believes that collective progress remains insufficient and that several countries continue to face significant challenges in translating their commitments into concrete action.
Emission Reductions Remain Insufficient
The 2026 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Synthesis Report shows that 127 new contributions, representing 154 Parties to the Paris Agreement, were recorded between January 2024 and August 2026. These commitments cover approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite this progress, projections remain concerning. Current climate commitments are expected to reduce global emissions by approximately 6% by 2035 compared with 2019 levels. Even if all announced pledges were fully implemented, the reduction would reach only 9%.
These figures illustrate the persistent gap between countries’ stated ambitions and the efforts required to meet scientific recommendations for tackling global warming.
Adaptation Constrained by a Lack of Funding
The second report, focusing on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), highlights the difficulties countries face in moving from planning to implementation.
As of October 20, 2026, 146 countries had initiated the process of developing their National Adaptation Plans. Among them, 81 developing countries, including 29 least developed countries and 17 small island developing States, had already submitted their plans.
However, having a strategic document does not guarantee its implementation on the ground. Access to funding, project approval and the effective transfer of resources to vulnerable countries remain major obstacles.
This situation raises particular concerns about the ability of developing countries to protect their populations and infrastructure against the consequences of climate change.
Climate Finance at the Centre of Concerns
Financial resources also feature prominently in the assessments presented by UN Climate Change.
According to the third report on progress towards the $100 billion climate finance goal, climate finance provided and mobilised by developed countries for developing countries increased between 2020 and 2024. One of the sources examined even indicates that this target was achieved in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Furthermore, the seventh Biennial Assessment of Climate Finance Flows estimates that global climate finance increased by 32%, reaching an annual average of $1.9 trillion in 2023 and 2024.
However, this increase does not benefit all regions equally. Developing countries continue to face difficulties accessing financial resources, while funding dedicated to adaptation remains insufficient in relation to their needs.
COP31 Expected to Deliver Concrete Measures
For UN Climate Change, the upcoming conference in Türkiye represents an opportunity to turn political commitments into measurable results. Discussions are expected to focus on emissions mitigation, adaptation, climate finance and just energy transitions.
Alongside the official negotiations, the Global Climate Action Agenda aims to encourage practical initiatives, particularly in electrification, methane emission reductions, improved access to finance and waste management.
Through these three reports, UN Climate Change is sending a clear message to governments: commitments must now translate more decisively into concrete action. The success of COP31 will depend, in particular, on countries’ ability to strengthen cooperation, mobilise the necessary resources and accelerate the implementation of their climate policies.
Furthermore, the seventh Biennial Assessment
