• NetZeroWeek
By António Guterres, UNSG “2021 is a crucial year in the fight against climate change.”

By António Guterres, UNSG “2021 is a crucial year in the fight against climate change.”

Countries representing 70 per cent of the world economy and 65 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions have now committed to net zero.

The world remains way off target in staying within the 1.5-degree limit of the Paris Agreement.

This is why we need more ambition, more ambition on mitigation, ambition on adaptation and ambition on finance.

The global coalition for net zero emissions needs to grow, to cover more than 90 per cent of the emissions. This is a central objective for the United Nations this year.

The drive to net zero emissions must become the new normal for everyone, everywhere – for every country, company, city and financial institution, as well as key sectors such as aviation, shipping, industry and agriculture.

At the same time, all commitments to net zero must be underpinned by clear and credible plans to achieve them.

Words are not enough.

By COP26 at the latest, all countries need to come forward with significantly more ambitious nationally determined contributions, with 2030 targets consistent with a net zero pathway. 

The major economies and members of the G20 must lead the way.

Developing countries, particularly the Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries, must be given the support they need to enhance their climate ambition.

The science and the economics are clear.

Coal must be phased out by 2030 in OECD countries, and by 2040 in all other countries, in conjunction with a just transition.

Investments in coal are a losing proposition.

Financing for coal and other fossil fuels abroad must stop and be redirected towards the clean energy transition.

Climate impacts in every region and on every continent are worsening.

Finally, a successful COP26 means positive engagement of observers and other non-Party stakeholders, including key NGO constituencies, including youth, women and indigenous peoples.

We need every voice at the table. As we collectively address our climate emergency, no voice, and no solution, should be left behind.

2021 is a crucial year in the fight against climate change. End.

Net Zero Week 2021 is backed by HM Government and is an officially recognised precursor event to COP26.

Going net zero means a better business and a better environment for everyone.  During #NetZeroWeek2021 you can access dozens of exclusive live webinars/podcasts; all free-to-attend.

See the confirmed live webinar programme taking place around Net Zero Week 2021.