UN Secretary-General Calls for Global Coalition to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050

Strategic Insights -

In a move to accelerate solutions to address climate disruption, the United Nations has issued a call to action for countries, cities, and industries to come together and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of building a global coalition for net-zero emissions and encouraged countries to submit more ambitious nationally determined contributions for mitigation, adaptation, and finance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United Nations has set a goal to cut global emissions by 45% by 2030 from 2010 levels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
  • The energy sector is critical in achieving this goal, and phasing out coal is the single most important step to align with the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement.
  • The G7 has committed to phasing out domestic and international coal finance, and the G20 is urged to follow suit.
  • Renewable energy must overtake fossil fuels this decade, with countries shifting fossil fuel subsidies to renewable energy.
  • Net-zero emissions electricity systems must become the norm in advanced economies by 2035 and globally by 2040.
  • Every hard-to-abate sector, including shipping, steel, cement, and buildings, must have an action plan for net-zero emissions by 2050 with robust intermediate goals.
  • The shipping sector must have zero-emissions ships become the competitive choice by 2030, and credible market-based measures are needed to achieve this.
  • Demonstration projects and global procurement targets for 2030 are urgent for sectors such as steel and cement.

Statistics:

  • By 2030, global emissions must be reduced by 45% from 2010 levels.
  • Net-zero emissions must be achieved by 2050.
  • The energy sector is critical in achieving the 1.5-degree goal of the Paris Agreement.
  • Phasing out coal is necessary to align with the Paris Agreement goal.
  • Renewable energy must overtake fossil fuels by this decade.
  • Net-zero emissions electricity systems must become the norm in advanced economies by 2035 and globally by 2040.

Sources:

  • United Nations Secretary-General's remarks to the Clean Energy Ministerial in Santiago, Chile (June 2)
  • Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info)