The UN chief said that a massive global effort is needed to put the world on a safer path. “You’re on the front lines…helping consumers, investors and regulators understand what a credible net-zero picture would look like.”
Net-zero refers to achieving a balance between the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and storms, are causing human tragedies and economic disasters in many parts of the world. Given this, it is important to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but time is running out for concrete action to reduce emissions.
To this end, the UN Secretary General organized a high-level meeting with non-governmental organizations on Thursday to discuss the steps taken so far and future strategies.
Secretary-General Guterres released a report with key recommendations during the COP27 climate conference in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt, which is expected to be adopted by non-governmental organizations.
The report, titled ‘Integrity Matters’, presents 10 recommendations aimed at credibly achieving net-zero emissions commitments and holding them accountable.
towards safe passage
These recommendations suggest that NGOs should keep in mind a number of issues at each stage of progress toward the net-zero goals necessary to address the climate crisis.
Secretary-General Guterres thanked delegates for leading efforts towards these goals and called on others to follow.
He said that by next year’s COP30 conference, new plans must be made, with clear steps to be taken to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and achieve net-zero goals by 2050.
For this, it is important to stop using fossil fuels, put policies over political lobbying for our interests and decarbonize the value chain.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized that now is the time to move forward, not backward. This is a time for ambition and transparency, not green claims and whitewashing.
concerted effort
Antonio Guterres said the rules must now be made mandatory, going beyond voluntary resolutions. “The future of humanity is under threat. There can be no substitute for action.”
The UN chief called on businesses, financial institutions, cities, regions and other stakeholders to work with governments to develop their own national climate action plans, which will be presented at the COP30 summit next year.
According to him, to realize a future consistent with the 1.5 degree target, governments need to continue policies and regulations. and to ensure that the work of other parties is supported and not complicated.