26 March 2025
2025 marks a
milestone: the tenth anniversary of the
Paris Agreement and the deadline for countries to submit
their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),
designed to keep the global goal alive of limiting
temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial
levels.
Addressing the 16th Petersberg Climate
Dialogue (PCD) in Berlin – the first official gathering on
climate since last year’s COP29 summit
in Baku – the UN Secretary-General António Guterres
issued a
strong call for decisive climate action.
He said
the year had begun against a backdrop of geopolitical
instability and widespread cuts to overseas aid
budgets.
“There is much uncertainty and instability
in our world,” which is why “every country must
step up and play their part,” he
emphasised.
Renewables: A bright
spot
Despite global tensions, Mr. Guterres
pointed to a promising development: 2024 was
officially a record year for global renewable energy
production, according to the International
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
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Renewables made up
over 92 per cent of all new electricity capacity
installed last year – equivalent to the total
electricity capacity of Brazil and Japan
combined.
Europe’s capacity rose by nine per cent,
with Germany contributing over a quarter of that growth.
Meanwhile, Africa’s grew by nearly seven per
cent.
“All of this is another reminder of a 21st
century truth: Renewables are renewing
economies,” Mr. Guterres said. They are
“powering growth, creating jobs, lowering energy bills,
and cleaning our air.”
Wind power has dropped in
cost by 60 per cent since 2010; solar is now 90 per cent
cheaper.
Clean energy contributed significantly to
economic growth in 2023 – accounting for five per cent of
India’s GDP growth, six per cent of the US’, and
one-third of the EU’s.
The rising toll of
inaction
Nevertheless, climate challenges are
piling up, the UN chief continued.
“It seems records
are shattered at every turn – the hottest day of the
hottest month of the hottest year of the hottest decade
ever,” Mr. Guterres said.
Those suffering most are
the world’s most vulnerable – grappling with rising food
and insurance costs, displacement and growing
insecurity.
The World Meteorological Organization
confirmed in late December that 2024 was another year of alarming
climate records. For the first time, global
temperatures were 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels during
a calendar year.
“Scientists are clear –
it is still possible to meet the long-term 1.5
degree limit,” the Secretary-General stressed.
“But it requires urgent action. And it requires
leadership.”
Call for
ambition
New NDCs are due by September 2025.
These plans must align with the 1.5°C target and
collectively cut emissions by 60 per cent by
2035, compared with 2019 levels.
“These new
plans are a unique opportunity to deliver – and lay out a
coherent vision for a just green transition,” Mr. Guterres
said.
He reiterated that efforts must be made
according to the principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities but added: “Everybody must do
more.”
The G20 most industralised nations
– responsible for most global emissions – must lead the
way.
The UN Climate
Promise is already supporting 100 countries in preparing
their next plans. A high-level event in September will take
stock of progress and push for greater
action.
Financing
action
Implementation of the COP29 finance
agreement is crucial to support developing
countries.
“I count on the leadership of the COP29
and COP30 Presidencies to deliver a credible roadmap
to mobilise $1.3 trillion a year by 2035,” said
the Secretary-General.
He also called for doubling
adaptation finance to at least $40 billion annually by the
end of this year and for serious contributions to the Loss
and Damage Fund.
To get there, stronger
collaboration – across governments, societies, and sectors
– is vital.
Looking ahead
As
the Petersberg Dialogue sets the tone for the year ahead,
Mr. Guterres issued a final rallying cry:
“Those who
lag behind must not discourage us but rather strengthen our
resolve. The rewards are there for the taking, for all those
ready and willing to lead the world through these troubled
times.”
“We are at a turning point. I urge
you to seize this moment; and seize the prize,”
he
concluded.
