Story perspectives

UN Warns: Climate Pledges Threaten 1.5°C Goal

11/6/2025

Summary

Story summary

The United Nations warns that current pledges could raise temperatures by 2.3–2.5°C, undermining the 1.5°C target.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, urges nations to reject the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
COP30 in Belém, Brazil, faces logistical challenges limiting participation from developing nations.
Brazil approved oil drilling near the Amazon, drawing criticism.
The absence of U.S. leadership raises concerns about global climate ambition.

History

Historical Context

In June 2017, President Donald Trump announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This decision, effective November 4, 2020, left the U.S. as the only country to exit the accord, undermining international climate efforts and prompting criticism from organizations like Amnesty International. The UN now warns of potential temperature increases of 2.3–2.5°C.

1 of 2

Story summary

The United Nations warns that current pledges could raise temperatures by 2.3–2.5°C, undermining the 1.5°C target.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, urges nations to reject the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
COP30 in Belém, Brazil, faces logistical challenges limiting participation from developing nations.
Brazil approved oil drilling near the Amazon, drawing criticism.
The absence of U.S. leadership raises concerns about global climate ambition.

1 / 2