### UN Report: Nations Lag Behind on Promises to Cut Emissions and Tackle Climate Change

One year after world leaders made a landmark commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, countries have made little to no progress in reducing emissions and addressing global warming, according to a United Nations report released on Thursday. The report highlights that global greenhouse gas emissions surged to a record 57 gigatons last year and are unlikely to see a significant decline this decade.

The report, known as the Emissions Gap Report, suggests that the slow pace at which countries are reducing their reliance on oil, gas, and coal makes it unlikely that the targets outlined in the 2015 Paris climate agreement will be met. "Another year passed without action means we're worse off," stated Anne Olhoff, a climate policy expert based in Denmark and a co-author of the report.

This assessment comes just a month before diplomats are set to gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, for the annual United Nations climate talks. During these discussions, countries will explore ways to enhance their efforts in combatting global warming. Despite the rapid growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the rising global demand for electricity means that nations are still burning more fossil fuels each year.

Geopolitical conflicts, such as those between the U.S. and China, as well as wars in regions like Ukraine and Gaza, have complicated international cooperation on climate change. Additionally, wealthy nations have not fulfilled their financial promises to assist poorer countries in transitioning away from fossil fuels.

At the previous year's climate talks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, representatives from nearly every country approved a pact to accelerate climate action and move away from fossil fuels. However, the agreement lacked specific details on how to achieve these goals and which countries would take on which responsibilities. So far, there has been a lack of significant follow-through on these commitments.