UN climate chief urges faster climate action, highlighting progress in new national pledges aiming for net zero emissions.
GENEVA: The world is entering a “new era” of climate action, according to the United Nations, but governments must urgently accelerate their efforts. This call to action came from UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, following the release of a new report assessing recent climate commitments from nations globally.
The report analyses the latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by governments, offering both a progress snapshot and an outline of ongoing challenges. Stiell expressed optimism, stating that these revised commitments show “green shoots of good news” and mark “clear stepping stones towards net zero emissions.”
If countries successfully implement current pledges, global emissions could drop by 10% by 2035. However, Stiell stressed that while improvements are evident, the pace of climate action must increase significantly to prevent worsening global warming.
A notable shift in the latest climate pledges is the adoption of a “whole-of-society” approach. Many NDCs now include gender and youth inclusion, aiming to make the transition to a low-carbon economy more equitable and far-reaching.
Stiell praised the private sector for advancing in clean energy investment, noting that climate action is now seen as a primary driver of 21st-century economic growth and job creation. He emphasised the need for governments to enact policies that help all sectors share in the economic benefits of climate resilience.
