🚨 Heads up, climate warriors! On Wednesday, the United Nations hosted a special event on climate action at its New York HQ. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres kicked things off with some big wins and a rallying cry for what's next. 🌟
Thanks to the Paris Agreement, projected global warming over the last decade has dropped from 4°C to under 3°C—if we fully deliver on current nationally determined contributions (NDCs). But as Guterres put it: "Now, we need new plans for 2035 that go much further, and much faster," aligned with 1.5°C and covering all emissions and sectors. ⚡
Some early wins to celebrate:
- ⚡ The Chinese mainland hit its 2030 wind & solar targets six years early.
- 🔋 India reached 50% electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels five years ahead of schedule.
But there’s no time to chill. Guterres outlined five action areas for COP30 in Brazil:
- Clean energy: Supercharge the shift off fossil fuels.
- Methane cuts: Drastically slash this potent greenhouse gas.
- Forests: Stop the destruction of nature’s best carbon sinks.
- Heavy industry: Scale up low-carbon tech for steel, cement & transport.
- Climate justice: Ensure fair support for communities on the frontlines.
He also stressed urgent funding for developing countries to unlock the clean energy benefits and protect lives and economies. 💰🌱
This event, held alongside the UN General Assembly, sets the stage for world leaders to present fresh NDCs and seize the clean energy era. By November’s COP30 in Belem, Brazil, all Paris Agreement parties must submit bold new plans for the next decade.
From Mumbai’s solar startups to Manila’s mangrove protectors, young changemakers across South and Southeast Asia have a part to play. Whether you’re coding clean-tech apps, leading a beach clean-up, or swapping plastic for bamboo straws, every action counts! 🚀💚
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
