September 17th, 2024
Speaking at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Climate Promise 2025 launch in New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the narrowing window to keep global temperature rise within 1.5°C. Highlighting recent extreme weather events and record temperatures, Guterres urged nations to adopt clear and ambitious emission reduction targets.
What's happening: The Climate Promise 2025 initiative marks a significant step by the UN system to assist countries in crafting national climate plans aligned with the urgent need to cap temperature rise. This expanded effort includes tailored support and integrates sustainable development goals with climate action strategies.
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Details: The initiative builds on the success of the previous UNDP Climate Promise, which aided 128 countries in enhancing the quality and ambition of their national climate plans. These plans are essential tools for translating global climate goals into actionable strategies at the national level.
Driving the news: Guterres highlighted the impact of climate change observed just this month: unprecedented rainstorms in the UAE, a major global coral bleaching event, and severe droughts in Southern Africa prompting disaster declarations in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi.
The bottom line: Guterres called for a robust global response, including a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions—43% by 2030 relative to 2019 levels—targeting the main culprits: fossil fuels and deforestation. He stressed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy and phasing out coal, with specific timelines for OECD countries and the rest of the world.
What's next: The upcoming COP30 is a critical juncture for countries, especially the G20, which are responsible for about 80% of global emissions, to present comprehensive climate plans. These plans should include concrete policies, financial strategies, and a clear path to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Between the lines: Developing nations face particular challenges, such as high debt levels and capital costs, which hinder their climate actions. Guterres advocated for innovative financial solutions, including a proposed windfall tax on fossil fuel profits, to boost climate finance and support for these countries.