In a recent address, Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized the ongoing commitment of countries to their national climate plans and their determination to spearhead the transition to clean energy. Despite the United States’ intention to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, Stiell highlighted how nations are stepping up to fill the void left by the world’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter.
Looking ahead to the annual climate talks scheduled for November, Stiell outlined key priorities and urged countries to bolster their national climate plans, emphasizing the significant economic benefits and environmental advantages of such actions. He stressed that while certain countries may opt to regress on climate pledges, others are seizing the opportunity to drive progress, leading to enhanced economic growth, increased job opportunities, reduced pollution levels, lower healthcare costs, and a more secure and affordable energy landscape.
During his speech delivered alongside COP30 President Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago in Brasilia, Brazil, Stiell acknowledged the growing polarization in the world over the past decade but noted that the climate negotiation process has managed to defy this trend. Despite political challenges faced by some governments in implementing climate policies, including waning support for green candidates in Europe and the election of Donald Trump in the U.S., Stiell emphasized the global mobilization of approximately $2 trillion in climate finance to assist developing nations in curbing emissions and adapting to climate impacts.
Encouraging countries to ramp up their efforts, Stiell called for an increase in the targeted climate finance commitment of $300 billion annually by 2035, set during last year’s climate summit. Anticipating a wave of new national climate plans under the Paris agreement, Stiell expects the vast majority of countries to submit their proposals this year, despite the deadline for submissions set by the UNFCCC for February 10. Many nations have indicated their intention to submit their plans later in the year, reflecting a global momentum towards combating climate change and fostering sustainability.
(Reporting by Valerie Volcovici; Editing by Rod Nickel)
