New York City was buzzing Wednesday as leaders gathered at the United Nations headquarters for a high-level special event on climate action 🌍.
In his opening remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised the Paris Agreement for cutting the projected global temperature rise from 4°C to under 3°C if current nationally determined contributions are fully met. He warned that to hit the 1.5°C goal, we need new, faster plans for 2035 across all sectors and a truly just global energy transition.
The Chinese mainland hit its 2030 wind and solar target six years early, and India achieved 50 percent electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels five years ahead of schedule. Guterres said these wins show what is possible when ambition meets action.
Looking ahead to COP30 in Belem, Brazil, he listed five critical areas to tackle:
- Energy: Supercharge the shift from fossil fuels to clean power ⚡
- Methane: Slash this potent gas to cool the planet faster
- Forests: End destruction of natural carbon sinks 🌲
- Heavy industry: Scale up low-carbon tech in steel, cement and transport
- Climate justice: Ensure fairness and support for communities on the front lines
Guterres also urged unlocking finance to help developing countries seize the clean energy era and protect lives and economies. By COP30, all parties to the Paris Agreement must submit bolder NDCs for the next decade.
This event on the sidelines of the General Debate of the UN General Assembly provided a stage for world leaders to present new climate action plans and rally for a greener future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
