UN climate chief Simon Stiell called on nations participating in the COP30 conference in Brazil to accelerate efforts in reducing emissions and upholding the objective of limiting global warming to 1.5C.
Stiell emphasized the urgency, stating that there is a significant amount of work ahead. He stressed the need for swift action in both cutting emissions and enhancing resilience, highlighting that solutions, not just lamenting, are essential.
Addressing ministers and officials from almost 200 countries, Stiell painted a stark picture of the repercussions of failing to address the climate crisis. The conference in Belém, Brazil, spanning two weeks, will concentrate on mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, charting a course for transitioning away from fossil fuels, and securing the necessary funding to safeguard vulnerable nations from extreme weather events.
Despite temperatures exceeding the 1.5C threshold outlined in the 2015 Paris agreement for the past two years, continuous breaches could render the rise irreversible and a violation of the treaty. Experts suggest that by implementing measures like reducing methane emissions and swiftly adopting low-carbon technologies, it might still be feasible to bring temperatures back down to the agreed limit.
During the commencement of the UN climate talks, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned climate change denial. Lula described climate change as a current tragedy rather than a future threat, criticizing those who deny scientific facts and undermine institutions, science, and academia.
Stressing the gravity of climate disasters and the availability of solutions, Simon Stiell warned that inaction amid catastrophes would have enduring consequences, economically and politically. He urged nations to avoid delays and conflicts triggered by climate-related crises.
In light of previous COP summits falling short of promises, some, including Brazil, proposed focusing on smaller initiatives that do not necessitate unanimous agreement. COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago expressed a preference for not requiring a COP decision, acknowledging the changing dynamics with China playing a prominent role in the talks. China’s advancements in affordable green technologies have positioned the country as a leader in the global energy transition, as the US prepares to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and the EU faces challenges in maintaining its environmental commitments.