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Add to Preferred SourcesUN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on governments to incorporate “meaningful” climate action in all aspects of recovery from the global pandemic.
Addressing ministers at a virtual meeting on sustainable recovery from COVID-19, the UN chief said that the world is confronting two crises: COVID-19 and climate change.
“Let us tackle both and leave future generations with the hope that this moment is a true turning point for people and planet,” urged Mr. Guterres.
The ministerial meeting, convened by the Government of Japan, saw the participation of senior officials from several countries, as well as representatives from youth groups, civil society organizations, businesses, and local governments.
In parallel, an online portal that showcases climate and environment policies and actions in recovery from COVID-19 was launched. The Platform for Redesign 2020 will help build momentum for COP26, the UN conference that assesses progress in dealing with climate change, to be held in 2021.
The Secretary-General outlined six climate-positive actions for a sustainable recovery, which include: 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 – most important – leaving no one behind.
Mr. Guterres spoke of governments and businesses shifting towards them, realizing that clean energy brings more jobs, cleaner air, better health, and stronger economic growth.
The UN chief also called on all countries, especially G20 members, 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 the temperature increase to 1.5 degree Celsius.
Recognizing Japan’s technological development in many fields, the Secretary-General said the country can become a world leader on sustainable and resilient recovery. He called on Japan to stop investing in coal power plants and increase its share of renewables.
Original source: UN News