Covid lockdowns will only lower 2050 temperatures by 0.01C, predicts UN

Earth still on course for catastrophic 3.2C of warming by end of century, but green recovery plans could put world back on course for Paris goals

The direct climate impact of the coronavirus lockdown has lowered 2050 temperature projections by a negligible" 0.01C, the UN has revealed.

A green economic recovery from the pandemic could, however, make a substantial difference, according to the UN Environment Programme (Unep) annual emissions gap report, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% over the next decade and putting the world on track to meeting the Paris agreement's goal of keeping temperatures within 2C of pre-industrial levels.