UN Climate Change executive secretary Simon Stiell told an audience at Chatham House in London that there are only two years to save the world.(Picture Credit: Jon Linden/UNCC.)

Acknowledging that the phrase is somewhat melodramatic, he emphasised that the next two years are essential in saving the planet. He noted that, as of today, national climate plans, otherwise called the Nationally Determined Contributions, in aggregate will barely cut emissions at all by 2030.

He called for stronger plans, now, saying that while every country must submit a new plan, that the G20 emissions are around 80 per cent of global emissions.

Stiell also strived to place climate change at the apex of current world issues, saying: “For those who say that climate change is only one of many priorities, like ending poverty, ending hunger, ending pandemics, or improving education, I simply say this: none of these crucial tasks – indeed none of the Sustainable Development Goals – will be possible unless we get the climate crisis under control.”

He continued to underline the need for greater financial commitment and the importance of climate finance, whilst acknowledging that “it’s hard for any government to invest in renewables or climate resilience when the treasury coffers are bare, debt servicing costs have overtaken health spending, new borrowing is impossible, and the wolves of poverty are at the door”.

Calling for a “quantum leap” in climate finance he argued that despite these difficulties, it was essential for governments, companies and organisations such as the IMF to work together and be bolder to ensure that the required investment in renewal inmfrastructure can be made.

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