The Emissions Gap Report 2023 highlights record-breaking temperatures and warns that current pledges under the Paris Agreement could lead to a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels this century, emphasizing the urgent need for increased climate action. As per the 2023 NDC Synthesis Report, although emissions stabilize post-2030, they fail to decline rapidly enough to meet scientific targets outlined by the IPCC in its sixth Assessment Report. The IPCC emphasizes that global greenhouse gas emissions must decrease by 43% by 2030 and 60% by 2035 relative to 2019 levels to align with pathways limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The rapid and targeted reduction of methane and other short-lived non-CO2 pollutant emissions plays a critical role, complementing deep decarbonisation efforts. Only a dual track will enable us to curb the global warming curve fast enough. Cuts in short-lived non-CO2 pollutants, due their high global warming potential and shorter lifetime in the atmosphere, can reduce 0.5 degrees of warming by 2050. The inaugural Global Stocktake (GST), agreed as part of the UAE consensus, confirms that the Paris Agreement has galvanized near-universal climate action by establishing goals and signaling the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. The GST assesses collective ambition and progress, identifies critical opportunities to accelerate climate action, and informs the revision of NDCs. Despite progress in mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation and support, Parties are collectively off-track in achieving the Paris Agreement's purpose and long-term goals.