Global Commitment to Climate Plans Persists Despite US Withdrawal from Paris Accord
Countries continue to commit to their climate plans even after the US exits the Paris Agreement, maintaining focus on clean energy transitions. UN climate chief Simon Stiell emphasizes the push for stronger national climate commitments by 2025. He calls for increased climate financing and recognizes the need for countries to enforce their climate commitments amid existing gaps in action and rhetoric surrounding climate policies.
BRASILIA – In light of the United States’ departure from the Paris climate agreement, countries remain dedicated to their national climate strategies and are striving to take the lead in the transition to clean energy, according to Simon Stiell, the UN’s top climate official. Speaking in Brasilia on February 6, he emphasized the need for nations to enhance their climate plans ahead of the 2025 deadline, despite the US being the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Mr. Stiell highlighted that while one country may withdraw, others are ready to seize the opportunity for advancement in clean energy and economic growth. He stated, “A country may step back, but others are already stepping into their place to seize the opportunity, and to reap the massive rewards: stronger economic growth, more jobs, less pollution and far lower health costs, more secure and affordable energy.” He expressed optimism that by the end of the year, countries will reveal their updated national climate commitments (NDCs).
He called for increased ambition across climate plans, stressing the need for comprehensive measures that cover entire economies. Mr. Stiell noted that, despite political challenges faced by some governments, including the backlash against climate policies, there has still been a mobilization of US$2 trillion in climate finance for developing nations. He urged nations to meet target commitments for climate financing, aiming for US$300 billion annually by 2035.
Acknowledging the limitations of the Paris Agreement regarding enforceability, Mr. Stiell stated the onus is on countries to implement and monitor their own compliance. He expressed concern over the disparity between the necessary actions to combat climate change and what is currently being executed. The UN deadline for submission of new national climate plans is set for February 10, but many countries plan to submit theirs later this year.
The article discusses the ongoing commitment of countries to their climate plans despite the US exiting the Paris climate agreement. Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, outlines the global landscape of climate action, highlighting areas of progress and challenges faced in international climate negotiations. It underscores the importance of increased ambition in national climate strategies, especially as countries prepare for the next set of climate commitments due in 2025.
In conclusion, while the US’s exit from the Paris Agreement poses challenges, many countries are committed to advancing their climate goals and transitioning towards clean energy. The UN climate chief emphasizes the need for expanded and more ambitious climate plans as nations aim for substantial economic and environmental benefits. The upcoming submissions of national climate commitments will further define the global response to climate change in the coming years.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
