New York, United States, Leaders of the world’s biggest polluters failed to signal they are prepared to rapidly step up action to close the 1.5°C ambition gap, either postponing or submitting lukewarm 2035 climate action plans at the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Summit in New York.
Tracy Carty, Climate Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “Trump has tried to dismantle climate multilateralism – this Summit reaffirms its resilience. But progress must accelerate. The trajectory of new emissions targets is dangerously off track and without a serious shift, we’ll soar past 1.5°C with devastating consequences. The ambition gap won’t close itself and the time to act is now.”
“The US is absent. China and the EU have not raised each other’s ambition enough and even Australia, which is bidding to host COP31, has presented a weak target. Leaders at COP30 must now commit to stronger targets and faster action. Major emitters – especially rich developed countries – need to lead from the front.” [1] [2]
As part of the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement, concluded at COP28 in Dubai, countries agreed that global greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by 60 percent by 2035, compared to 2019 levels to stay on track for the 1.5°C limit.
This is the benchmark against which the collective ambition of national climate plans (NDCs) must now be measured, but developed countries are expected to go well beyond this global average given their historical responsibility for the bulk of emissions.
Thomas Gelin, Climate Campaigner, Greenpeace EU said: “Coming empty-handed to the UNSG’s Climate Summit is an abdication of the EU’s climate leadership. It’s a huge embarrassment and ignores Europe’s responsibility to act after enriching itself over decades through carbon pollution. Every delay and every fraction of a degree will cost people their lives, health, homes and livelihoods – the EU must urgently agree on a real climate target in line with science.”
Yao Zhe, Global Policy Advisor, Greenpeace East Asia said: “Even for those with tempered expectations, what’s presented today still falls short. This 2035 target offers little assurance to keep our planet safe, but what’s hopeful is that the actual decarbonisation of China’s economy is likely to exceed its target on paper.”
“However, business and technological advancements alone cannot get the job done. Strong and consistent policy signals are an irreplaceable catalyst. China needs to keep the door open to significantly enhancing its policy targets fairly soon. Waiting another five years will be too late.”
Carolina Pasquali, Executive Director, Greenpeace Brazil said: “Brazil now has a huge responsibility at a pivotal moment for multilateralism and half-way through this critical decade to ensure that action to address the 1.5°C ambition gap is embedded in the COP30 outcome.”
“Negotiation must turn to implementation and in Belém, at the People’s COP, the world’s people are demanding a response. As the COP30 presidency, Brazil needs to take a proactive position and ensure the urgency of the moment is seized!”
An Lambrechts, Biodiversity Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “The climate solution is also hugely reliant on forests and at COP30 it’s essential a decision is made to urgently progress implementation of the UNFCCC target to halt and reverse deforestation and forest degradation by 2030. It’s clear that despite existing initiatives in many countries, national-level action alone is not enough to ensure equitable, efficient and coherent implementation.”
ENDS
Notes
- Greenpeace Australia Pacific statement: https://www.greenpeace.org.au/news/weak-climate-target-prioritises-fossil-fuel-profits-over-safety-of-our-communities/
- Greenpeace East Asia statement: https://www.greenpeace.org/eastasia/press/68373/greenpeace-east-asia-reaction-to-chinas-new-climate-targets/
Contacts:
Aaron Gray-Block, Climate Politics Communications Manager, Greenpeace International, [email protected]
Gaby Flores, Communications Coordinator, Greenpeace International, +1 214 454 3871, [email protected]
Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]
