Welcoming Submission of Post-2020 Climate Change Targets by China, Republic of Korea, Secretary-General Says Support Builds Momentum on Road to Paris

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes today's formal submission of their post-2020 climate change targets or intended nationally determined contributions (INDC) by the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea.  Both submissions represent an important contribution to building momentum and strengthening prospects for reaching a new and meaningful climate change agreement at COP21 [Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change] in Paris at the end of the year.

With these two submissions, we now have post-2020 climate change targets from over 40 countries that together represent over 60 per cent of global emissions.

The INDCs submitted today and since March offer a floor, and not a ceiling, for ambition, and are critical for building momentum and trust on the road to COP21 in Paris.

The Secretary-General thanks the President of the People's Republic of China, President Xi Jinping, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Park Geun-hye, for their leadership and strong commitment in addressing climate change.

He encourages other countries to accelerate the preparation and submission of their INDCS.  A key step to reaching a universal and meaningful climate agreement in Paris is the timely submission of INDCs by all countries well in advance of Paris.