The UN climate chief has expressed optimism about the global green transition, despite expectations that countries will fail to meet the deadline for new climate plans. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, said the economic benefits of low-carbon growth would compel nations to accelerate action.
Speaking before a crunch summit of world leaders in New York, Stiell acknowledged that the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) due by the end of this month would fall short of the Paris Agreement's 1.5C target. However, he pointed to progress made by countries such as China, which has seen renewable energy generate a quarter of its electricity and electric vehicles capture 50% of the market.
Stiell said: “We’re moving in the right direction. Not fast enough, not deep enough, but [the progress] is showing that something is working.” He urged leaders to find all available levers to accelerate the transition.
Concerns remain over the NDCs of major emitters. China is expected to submit a conservative plan, while the EU has issued a statement of intent for a 66.25% to 72.5% cut by 2035, weaker than campaigners hoped. Australia pledged a 62-70% cut by 2035, also below the recommended 75%.
Despite these shortcomings, Stiell believes the Cop30 summit in Brazil can still succeed by focusing on remedying gaps and investing in green economic transformation. He emphasised that the economic dividends of cleaning up industry would compel faster action.
