The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called upon governments worldwide not to forget the fight against climate change even as the main focus continues to be on stopping COVID-19.
“Let us tackle both and leave future generations with the hope that this moment is a true turning point for people and planet,” he said, in a video message on Thursday.
We are at a true turning point for people and planet.
I urge all countries, especially G20 members, to commit to carbon neutrally before 2050, and to submit more ambitious #ClimateAction strategies ahead of #COP26.https://t.co/e03X6ved0p pic.twitter.com/XvvcKxXm7Y
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) September 3, 2020
The U.N. Chief outlined six climate-positive actions for a sustainable recovery, including investing in green jobs; not bailing out polluting industries; ending fossil fuel subsidies; accounting for climate risk in all financial and policy decisions; working together; and leaving no one behind.
Guterres noted that some of the world’s top investors were already abandoning fossil fuels in favour of renewables, which are cheaper and more efficient.
“They understand that it makes no economic sense to burn money on coal plants that will soon become stranded assets,” he said.
The U.N. chief also called on all countries, especially member of the G20 – the group of top industrialized nations – to commit to carbon neutrally before 2050. He urged them to submit “more ambitious” nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and long-term strategies before COP26 aligned with the goal to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degree Celsius.
