Countries have also been urged to design and implement policies in line with the Paris Agreement goals
Incremental progress can no longer help, rather there is a need for transformational change to fight climate crisis, said Patricia Espinosa, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Espinosa said this at the concluding meeting of the 2019 UN Climate Change Conference 2019 (SB50), held from June 17-27, 2019, in Bonn, Germany.
Espinosa also made a call to governments to design and implement policies in line with the Paris Agreement goals — which aims to restrict global greenhouse gas emissions to “well below” 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
“We can no longer afford incremental progress when tackling climate change – we need deep, transformational and systemic change throughout society which is crucial for a low-emission, highly-resilient and more sustainable future,” Espinosa said.
“People are demanding results — whether that’s online or in the streets — and we must show we are taking responsibility. The Paris Agreement is clear: this is our job. We have the mandate to do this. We must deliver,” she added.
Delegates at the UN climate talks also discussed Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which would support countries to meet a part of their domestic goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions through the use of so-called “market mechanisms”. Article 6 is one of the few issues left unresolved from COP24 ((UN Climate Change Conference), held last year.
These have been considered for adoption at the COP25, to be held in Santiago, Chile in December, to prevent worst impacts of climate change.
They have also agreed on a draft decision to be adopted at COP25 to strengthen education, awareness and public engagement under the UNFCCC.
In order to achieve the central Paris Agreement goal of holding the global average temperature rise to as close as possible to 1.5 degrees Celsius, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced 45 per cent by 2030, and climate neutrality achieved by 2050.
“I urge governments to use the rest of this year to find solutions, allowing solid rules for carbon markets to finally take shape. Businesses want this and they are looking for positive signals from governments that they will do this. They know it’s a good way to reduce emissions globally,” Espinosa said.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
UNFCCC Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa. Photo: @UNFCCC/Twitter .png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.