Dear
Colleagues,
We are nine months away from COP26, a
critical milestone in our efforts to avert climate
catastrophe.
I am pleased that the incoming COP
President is here to discuss with you the road to
Glasgow.
The past year has seen welcome
progress.
I thank those who showed leadership by
announcing bold new commitments at the Climate Ambition
Summit I convened with the Prime Minister of the United
Kingdom and the President of France in
December.
Countries representing 70 per cent of the
world economy and 65 per cent of global carbon dioxide
emissions have now committed to net zero.
Two weeks
8 February 2021
We look back on an unexpected year. The corona pandemic has shown us once again how our individual actions influence the wellbeing of humanity and the planet. Five years ago, we came together to sign the Paris Accord. This was a ground-breaking treaty focused on limiting temperatures rising around the world. Getting agreement on how to fight climate change on the world stage is of huge importance. As we saw this year, borders mean less in times of crisis and we all need each other. Cooperation with our international partners on issues such as fighting a pandemic and climate is central to the work of an ambassador.
COP26 President addresses UN Member States
Alok Sharma briefs UN Member States on the road to Glasgow
From:
Excellencies, Secretary General, friends.
It is a real pleasure to speak to you all again to provide this regular update. And as you all know I am now devoting all of my time and energies to the role of COP26 President Designate, whilst continuing as a full member of the UK Government Cabinet.
I hope this tells you how seriously Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the whole of the UK Government are taking our role as incoming COP Presidency.
It recognises the stark facts in front of us. The facts as the Secretary General has just outlined. And the urgent need to increase our collective ambition across all elements of the Paris Agreement.
UN Climate Change News, 8 February 2021 - UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, today called on all governments to come forward with significantly more.