The UN and the UK announce a global climate event for the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement

Secretary-General António Guterres and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will co-host a historic global event that will convene world leaders on 12 December this year to drive much greater climate action and ambition.

The announcement is made on Thursday during a panel discussion on climate change held in the framework of the high-level debate of the 75th General Assembly.

During this week, countries such as China and the European Union, as well as companies and local authorities around the world have reiterated their commitment to climate action.

The world, however, remains far from the right track to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but recent announcements have sent a strong signal that the decarbonization of the global economy is increasingly irreversible and offers enormous advantages to those who move decisively.

“We have champions and solutions all around us, in every city, corporation and country. But the climate emergency is completely upon us and we have no time to waste. The response to our existential crisis is swift, decisive and expanded action, in addition to solidarity among nations,” said the UN Secretary-General.

Recent data shows that greenhouse gas concentrations are reaching record levels and worsening climate impacts, such as wildfires, hurricanes, air pollution, droughts and unprecedented floods, which destroy lives, jobs and businesses.

More ambitious plans

For the event in December, national governments will be invited to present more ambitious and high-quality climate plans (the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Strategies), as well as COVID-19 recovery plans, new financial commitments and measures to build resilience that are aligned with constraints. global warming to 1.5° C and with the impulse of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The event will bring together leaders from all levels of government, as well as from the private sector and civil society, to present new measures that stimulate ambition and action.

This year the United Nations Convention on Climate Change Conference, COP26, was scheduled for December in Glasgow, but had to be postponed until November 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: UN News