While calling for a swift acceleration in climate action, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell expressed optimism during a recent address following the release of a report on updated national climate commitments. This report evaluates the latest round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by various governments, outlining both advancements made and the significant challenges still ahead.
Stiell pointed out that there are “some green shoots of good news” evident in the collected commitments, which he believes can act as “clear stepping stones towards net zero emissions.” According to the UN climate chief, if countries fulfill their current pledges, global emissions could decrease by approximately 10% by 2035. Nonetheless, he emphasized the importance of increasing the pace of action to avoid exacerbating global warming.
Notably, many of the new NDCs adopt a “whole-of-society” approach that integrates perspectives from gender and youth, aiming for a transition to a low-carbon economy that benefits all sectors of society. Stiell described this cohort of commitments as a marked improvement in terms of quality, credibility, and economic inclusivity, urging governments to adopt policies that allow every nation to benefit from clean energy and enhanced climate resilience.
The private sector’s efforts toward sustainability were also noted, with Stiell highlighting that the ongoing global shift to clean energy promises substantial economic rewards. He stated, “As the global shift to clean energy continues to scale, the dividends to follow will be far greater still, as climate action emerges as the economic growth and jobs engine of the 21st century.”
On the same day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned, during an interview, that efforts so far have not succeeded in curbing human-induced global warming to the critical threshold of 1.5ºC, resulting in “devastating consequences.” He insisted that delegates arriving for the upcoming COP30 UN Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, must pivot their strategies to achieve a “dramatic decrease of emissions as soon as possible.”
Despite the challenges, Stiell affirmed that scientific consensus shows the possibility to revert temperature increases back to the 1.5°C threshold with significantly enhanced climate action. This hopeful tone suggests that while the task is monumental, the collective resolve and innovative strategies adopted across nations can still lead to impactful progress.
The ongoing dialogue on climate commitments emphasizes a shift towards constructive engagement and collaboration, signifying a hopeful outlook amid pressing global challenges.