Editor
By Fatima Saka
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change, emphasized the significance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as pivotal policies for accelerating climate action.
He stressed that no nation is currently succeeding in the battle against climate change, calling for urgent global action.
Speaking on Wednesday at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the session “Leveraging the NDC Partnership’s Model of Collaboration to Accelerate Ambitious Climate Action,” Stiell described the next round of NDCs as the “most important policy documents of this century.”
Taking action against climate change, Stiell warned of the increasing brutality of climate impacts, citing economic losses of up to 5% of GDP in some countries and the heavy toll on businesses and individuals. Highlighting the agricultural sector, he noted that climate-induced disruptions to food production and supply chains are driving inflation and hunger worldwide.
He pointed to the growing clean energy sector as a source of hope, with investments projected to surpass $2 trillion this year. “Money talks,” Stiell said, asserting that the global shift to clean energy offers vast economic benefits, including job creation, reduced pollution, and economic growth.
Despite progress in some nations, such as the UK and Brazil, which have committed to enhanced climate action through updated NDCs, Stiell underscored the need for equitable access to these benefits. He called for bold and inclusive national climate plans that address all greenhouse gasses and sectors, aligned with the 1.5°C target.
Stiell further praised the NDC Partnership and its Global Director, Pablo Vieira, for providing critical support to nations in implementing their climate commitments.
He also announced the UN Climate Plan Campaign, aimed at mobilizing countries to deliver ambitious climate plans in the coming year.
Stiell urged nations to reaffirm and strengthen their commitments, emphasizing that transformational NDCs are not optional but essential opportunities that must not be missed.
“Show the world that transformational NDCs are not optional; they are opportunities no country can miss,” he concluded.
