Global Leaders Converge in Brazil to Tackle Climate Change, Sustainable Development
By Boniface Ihiasota, USA
In a bid to address the pressing challenges of climate change and sustainable development, governments, experts, and civil society representatives gathered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the Fifth Global Conference on Climate and SDG Synergy.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, “We face a moment of truth on climate change.”
She noted that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and climate disasters are intensifying across all continents, with the most vulnerable populations bearing the brunt.
Mohammed expressed concern that the target to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is “hanging by a thread”.
Furthermore, the latest report on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reveals that only 17% are on track, with progress stalled or regressed in over a third of the goals.
To address these challenges, Mohammed stressed that countries must act now to align their climate plans with the 1.5-degree Celsius target and phase out fossil fuels.
She also called for reforms to the international financial system to ensure it works in favor of developing countries, rather than against them.
Mohammed emphasized the need for long-term financing to support developing nations, proposing an SDG stimulus plan worth $500 billion annually.
She also advocated for taxing the wealthy to catalyze the transition to sustainable development.
Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, echoed the need for integrated solutions to tackle climate change and sustainable development challenges together.
Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary, reaffirmed the commitment to leave no one behind, ensuring that the economic opportunities from the green transition reach every community justly, equitably, and swiftly.
Excel Magazine International reports that the conference, co-convened by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs and the UN Climate Change Secretariat, aimed to build on the growing evidence for synergistic action to address the interlinked crises.
