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The head of the UN climate change conventions believes that while the world’s most present and clear danger is Covid 19, climate change is a menace that continues to threaten future generations.
“The last eight months have been a nightmare for many throughout the world”, stated Patricia Espinosa, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary. She pointed out that the pandemic had “altered lives, economies and the nature of business on every continent—from the largest cities to the smallest villages”.
And while it is “the most urgent threat facing humanity today”, she rapidly added, “we cannot forget that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity over the long term.”
The UNFCCC chief certified that the that the convergence of these two situations had “opened a window of opportunity to build forward – to build cities and communities that are safe, healthy, green and sustainable”.
“Nothing exemplifies this better than the efforts of our 2020 award-winning activities to address climate change”, she also added.
This year’s award-winning projects clearly demonstrated leadership on climate change by nations, investors, businesses, regions, civil society, and cities as a whole.
The winners range from the Caribbean’s only carbon-neutral hotel, to the world’s first green bonds platform and the globe’s first all-women solar team in Lebanon.
Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated the winners, statingthat they “provide tangible proof that climate action is under way around the world”.
“It is exciting to see these climate solutions, which reinforce my call for decisive leadership on climate change by Governments, businesses and cities, and for a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic”, stated the UN chief. “Let us keep pressing ahead to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all”.
As nations work towards meeting and implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the awards should be seen as part of a larger effort to mobilise climate action and ambition.
The awards also lay the foundation for 2 upcoming climate change events. With one being The Race To Zero Dialogues, which runs from the 9th to the 19th of November, will act as an integral input to the UNFCCC Climate Dialogues in a bid to advance work governing the rules of the Paris Agreement, which runs from 23 November to 4 December.
The UN Global Climate Action Awards is spearheaded by the Momentum for Change initiative at UN Climate Change and every project highlights an innovative solution that has a dual use of addressing climate change and helping to drive progress on other SDGs.
“It is crucial we celebrate all actors who are leading the way,” said Gabrielle Ginér, Chair of the Advisory Panel.
“The recipients of the UN Global Climate Action Awards send a strong political signal to all nations – and through their leadership and creativity, we see essential change”. The 2020 winning activities, selected by an international Advisory Panel, can be found here.
As reported by UN News
