According to a major report released Monday, June 15 by the Paris-based International Energy Agency, the current global commitment to reduce greenhouse gases is not enough to keep world temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius. These 2 degrees may seem insignificant but are actually the marker of a move toward preindustrial temperature levels.

The International Energy Agency provides independent energy analysis and has 29 members from across the world, including the U.S. 

This report also highlights the path the world now needs to take in order to tackle projected peak emissions by 2020 and return to a safer path.

Climate change has been in the spotlight for several years and many nations have submitted Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) outlining plans to limit overall emissions.

The U.S. has said it will reduce emissions 26 to 28 percent below their 2005 levels by 2025. In contrast, the European Union has pledged a 40 percent cut or more below 1990 levels by 2030.

The International Energy Agency has found that unless the 29 members make active changes to their already implemented INDC plans, the world will go beyond its 2 degree threshold. 

"If stronger action is not forthcoming after 2030, the path in the INDC Scenario would be consistent with an average temperature increase of around 2.6 °C by 2100 and 3.5 °C after 2200," the report said, according to The Washington Post.

As the world begins to shift into more use of renewable, effectively moving away from carbon dioxide emissions, energy use will still grow by 8 percent. This is due to the projected economic growth between 2013 and 2030 sitting at an approximate 88 percent. 

While the U.S. strives to make an energy efficient change for the better, so can you. Schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections for a complete home energy efficiency inspection. Visit our website for more information.