Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell, has emphasised the urgent need for accelerated climate action, saying, “The Paris Agreement is delivering real progress, but we must accelerate in the Amazon.”
Speaking on the eve of COP30 in Belem, Brazil, Stiell highlighted the devastating impact of climate change, citing Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, super typhoons in Vietnam and the Philippines, and a tornado in Southern Brazil.
“On the eve of COP30, one thing is clear: The Paris Agreement is delivering real progress, but we must accelerate in the Amazon,” Stiell said. “Devastating climate damages are happening already… This is why COP must achieve three things: It must send a clear signal: nations are fully on board for climate cooperation – that means agreeing strong outcomes on all the key issues. It must speed up implementation across all sectors of all economies. And it must connect climate action to people’s real lives – to help spread its benefits: stronger growth, more jobs, less pollution and better health, more affordable, secure energy.”
Stiell, who is serving his fourth COP since taking office, expressed confidence that countries can overcome their differences and deliver, citing past successes. “At each one – and many before – countries have overcome their differences and delivered. So, let’s get on with the job,” he said.
