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High-stakes summit focuses on climate action
On Wednesday, a significant virtual summit unfolded, featuring UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. They convened 17 national leaders from major economies and climate-vulnerable countries, aiming to accelerate global climate ambitions in anticipation of COP30, which Brazil will host. This gathering represents a strategic mobilization effort by Guterres and Lula to amplify global actions in alignment with the Paris Agreement and to galvanize stronger national climate plans set for announcement in 2025.
A diverse coalition for climate progress
The two-hour session, conducted behind closed doors, included influential groups such as China, the European Union, the African Union, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, alongside various small island developing states. Guterres characterized this meeting as one of the most diverse assemblies of national leaders focused solely on climate issues in recent times, delivering a compelling message of unity.
“As we heard today, the world is moving forward. Full-speed ahead. No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution,” he asserted during a post-summit press briefing. Many leaders committed to presenting ambitious new climate plans, officially termed Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), in what Guterres described as a “strong message of hope.”
China’s climate pledge and its significance
During the meeting, President Xi Jinping of China confirmed that the nation’s updated NDCs would encompass all economic sectors and greenhouse gases, a clarification that Guterres deemed “extremely important” for effective climate action. He emphasized that these commitments open a vital avenue for crafting a bold trajectory over the next decade, particularly in advancing a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
“Renewable energy production is the economic opportunity of the century,” Guterres remarked, articulating it as the “pathway out of climate hell.” He highlighted the booming clean energy sector, which is generating jobs and enhancing global competitiveness and growth. “Science is on our side, and economics have shifted,” he added, underscoring the transformative potential of renewables.
Declining global warming projections
Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, forecasts for global warming have notably decreased, with projections falling from over 4°C to around 2.6°C if current plans are upheld. Nevertheless, this figure remains insufficient for achieving the crucial target of limiting temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a goal that has received international endorsement from various nations and climate scientists alike.
Guterres called upon leaders to submit national climate plans that align with this target, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all greenhouse gases and sectors, while demonstrating a full commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. A senior UN official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the summit as “just another step” in the ongoing effort to maintain political momentum during a critical year for climate action.
Fostering trust in multilateralism
The invitees to the summit were described as “small but representative,” including major economies and climate-vulnerable nations. This year is particularly crucial, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and the impending deadline for countries to submit updated climate plans. “This meeting serves to remind leaders that climate remains a key priority,” the official stated, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and multilateral efforts.
A senior Brazilian official echoed these sentiments, noting that the forthcoming UN climate summit in Belém aims to transcend mere negotiations, focusing instead on practical implementation, transparency, and tangible results. “We have already negotiated enough…now the world wants to see action – results, examples, solutions,” the official asserted.
Addressing the needs of developing nations
Guterres highlighted the urgent need for increased support for developing countries, which are disproportionately affected by climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions. “Africa and other parts of the developing world are experiencing faster warming, while the Pacific islands face accelerated sea-level rise,” he explained.
He urged nations to devise a credible roadmap for mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries by 2035, calling for a doubling of adaptation financing to $40 billion this year and enhanced contributions to the newly established Loss and Damage Fund created at COP28. In anticipation of COP30, Guterres announced a high-level UN event in September to evaluate progress on climate plans and financing efforts.
“We cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action,” Guterres declared, reinforcing the resolute commitment required to confront the climate crisis effectively.