UN Climate Change executive secretary Simon Stiell has said that the global climate crisis needs to be “order of business Number One” at the G20 Leaders Summit, which is getting underway in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Speaking at COP29 in Baku, Stiell underscored that the global climate crisis demands collective action, aligning with the G20’s founding purpose of addressing challenges beyond the capacity of individual nations.
“Climate impacts are already ripping shreds out of every G20 economy, wrecking lives, pummelling supply chains and food prices, and fanning inflation,” he said. “Bolder climate action is basic self-preservation for every G20 economy.
“Without rapid cuts in emissions, no G20 economy will be spared from climate-driven economic carnage.”
Clean energy investment
Despite the challenges, Stiell pointed to a significant opportunity in clean energy investment – adding that this year alone, some $2 trillion has been allocated to clean energy and infrastructure, surpassing investments in fossil fuels.
In addition, a number of G20 countries are already capitalising on this growth, benefiting from advancements in clean energy technologies, he added.
“Boosting global climate finance is about ensuring all countries can share in the vast benefits of bolder climate action: stronger growth, more jobs, less pollution, and more secure and affordable energy,” said Stiell. “And ensuring all countries can build resilience into their parts of global supply chains.”
Climate finance
In his remarks, Stiell also commented on the ongoing negotiations in Baku to establish a new climate finance goal, which are set to intensify this week, saying “in Baku negotiators are working around the clock on a new climate finance goal. There is a long way to go, but everyone is very aware of the stakes, at the halfway point in the COP.”
Concluding his address, Stiell emphasised the necessity of international cooperation in addressing the climate crisis.
As he put it, “in turbulent times and a fracturing world, G20 leaders must signal loud and clear that international cooperation is still the best and only chance humanity has to survive global heating. There is no other way.” Read more here. [Photo: UN Climate Change]
