New York, United States, In response to the UN Secretary General’s remarks following a meeting jointly convened by the Secretary-General, António Guterres and President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as part of their joint mobilization strategy leading up to the COP30 UN Climate Conference.

Tracy Carty, Global Climate Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “Amid rising geopolitical tensions, the Secretary-General’s message – after meeting with leaders from the EU, China, and other major economies – was a welcome sign of unity on the commitment to climate action: the clean energy revolution is moving ahead and no group or government can hold it back.”

“We must build on this momentum. Governments must step up with bold 2035 targets to keep 1.5°C within reach – and with concrete plans to tackle the root cause of the climate crisis: fossil fuels.  Climate change is not a distant threat; we are already living its devastating consequences – from catastrophic floods and uncontrollable wildfires to record-breaking heat.”

An Lambrechts, Global Biodiversity Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “A call for national climate plans that set emission reduction targets for all greenhouse gases and the whole economy is an important reminder that emissions from agriculture and associated land use change need to be tackled too. We urge all governments to include concrete actions to implement the goal to halt deforestation and forest degradation agreed at COP28.” 

Anna Cárcamo, Climate Politics Specialist, Greenpeace Brazil said: “The meeting convened by President Lula and the Secretary General to promote climate action is encouraging in times of political uncertainty. Guterres emphasised the importance of NDCs laying the ground for just transitions, and highlighted the urgent need for developed countries to fulfill their funding commitments to developing countries and double finance for adaptation. The strong message from today’s meeting must be matched by stronger ambition and concrete action before and after COP30.” 

ENDS

Contact:

Gaby Flores, Communication Coordinator, Greenpeace International, [email protected], +1244543871

Greenpeace International Press Desk, [email protected], +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)