Simon Steele, the executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, stated on Wednesday that governments, business leaders, and development banks have only two years left to take action to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Steele warned during a speech of the decreasing interest among politicians in the phenomenon of global warming. Scientists say that cutting harmful greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 is critical to preventing temperature increases beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius, which could exacerbate extreme weather phenomena. However, global carbon dioxide emissions related to energy rose last year to unprecedented levels. Current commitments to combat climate change will only very narrowly achieve the goal of reducing emissions globally by 2030. He added, "We still have a chance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a new generation of national climate plans. But we need those stronger plans now."
Speaking at an event at the Chatham House in London, Steele noted that G20 countries are collectively responsible for 80% of global emissions and urgently need to intensify their efforts. He called for generating more climate finance by relieving debt burdens, providing low-interest financing to poorer countries, and finding new sources of international funding, such as imposing a tax on shipping emissions, in addition to reforming the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Steele has repeatedly warned this year about the "decline" in government interest in climate action.
