New United Nations Climate Change Report ‘Red Alert’ for Planet, Secretary-General Says, Warning Current Emission Plans Not Enough to Adequately Curb Global Temperature Rise

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

2021 is a make or break year to confront the global climate emergency.  The science is clear, to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, we must cut global emission by 45 per cent by 2030 from 2010 levels.

Today’s interim report from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is a red alert for our planet.  It shows Governments are nowhere close to the level of ambition needed to limit climate change to 1.5°C and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The major emitters must step up with much more ambitious emissions reductions targets for 2030 in their nationally determined contributions well before the November United Nations Climate Conference in Glasgow.

Now is the time.  The global coalition committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 is growing, across Governments, businesses, investors, cities, regions and civil society.  COVID-19 recovery plans offer the opportunity to build back greener and cleaner.  Decision‑makers must walk the talk.  Long-term commitments must be matched by immediate actions to launch the decade of transformation that people and planet so desperately need.