New report brings pre-2020 actions into sharp focus

As UN climate negotiators in Geneva today focus on emissions reductions in the pre-2020 period, a new WWF report outlines the immediate mitigation measures that can be taken in 10 countries.

The WWF report, Crossing the Divide: How to Close the Emissions Abyss, shows how key countries can begin work now to close the 'gigatonne gap'.

Tasneem Essop, WWF's head of delegation to the UN climate negotiations says there are plenty of ways governments around the world can limit their pre-2020 emissions. "These range from scrapping coal-fired power stations and increasing renewables to improving energy efficiency, strengthening emissions targets and addressing deforestation."

The urgency to act is highlighted by the scientific evidence outlined in the latest IPCC report that made it clear that emissions have to peak within the pre-2020 period and sharply decline after that.

The WWF report aims to keep focus on the critical period leading to when a new climate agreement would take hold in 2020.

"With all eyes on the deal to be agreed in Paris this year that focuses on the post-2020 period, there is a danger that we shift our attention and delay taking action pre-2020.

"We can't just allow emissions figures to drift ever upwards, otherwise long-term targets will become even harder to meet. We need the world's governments to show leadership, foresight and determination and to start making urgent changes right now.

"We hope negotiators take time to read the report and be reminded and inspired to act decisively to unlock the development and economic benefits through reducing emissions now," Essop said.