Guterres urges cities to embrace ‘generational opportunity’ for climate action, sustainable development
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres addressing the C40 Mayors Climate Alliance highlighted that cities are “on the frontlines” of the climate crisis since they are emitting more than 70 percent of global greenhouse gases and also being affected by natural disasters like rising sea levels and storms.
He also added that cities can accelerate the achievement process of the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals by taking role in climate action. He called the Mayors to work with national leaders to develop Nationally Determined Contributions before the 26th session of Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), this November in Glasgow. He also called them to work hard to realize the goal of net zero by 2050. Furthermore, he urged them to take advantage of the period of coronavirus to accelerate investments in clean, green infrastructure and transport systems. Guterres, pointed out that to limit temperature rise ending the use of coal would be the “single most important step” that world can take. Moreover, he noted that gradually giving up use of coal may bring clear air and nature as well as healthier individuals. He also said that developing new urban transportation and city planning would contribute to reduce gas emissions.
