UN climate chief Simon Stiell urges countries to make ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) within a year to prevent global warming from exceeding the 1.5C limit set by the Paris Agreement. He calls for "quantum leaps" in climate finance and emphasizes the benefits of ambitious action.


Simon Stiell, the leader of the United Nations climate change organization, has issued a stark reminder to countries worldwide, urging them to produce ambitious emissions-cutting pledges within the next year. These pledges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are deemed essential to safeguard the safety and prosperity of people across the globe, according to Stiell.

In an open letter addressed to nearly 200 nations participating in the UN climate negotiations, Stiell underscored the critical nature of these commitments, describing them as the most important climate documents of the century thus far. With global warming already reaching nearly 1.2C above preindustrial levels, the need for urgent action to curb emissions and prevent further warming is paramount.

The 2015 Paris Agreement outlined the goal of limiting global warming to "well below" 2C, with efforts to strive for a safer limit of 1.5C. To achieve this, countries are required to submit increasingly ambitious emission-cutting plans every five years. The upcoming round of pledges, due early 2025 ahead of the COP30 climate negotiations in Brazil, holds immense significance in determining the trajectory of global climate action.

Stiell emphasized that these commitments will not only mitigate the worsening impacts of climate change but also unlock numerous benefits for societies worldwide. From job creation to economic growth, improved health, and access to clean energy, ambitious climate action promises to yield positive outcomes for citizens globally.

Despite existing carbon-cutting plans falling short of the necessary targets, Stiell remains optimistic about the potential for transformative change. However, he stressed the urgent need for "quantum leaps" in climate finance, particularly for developing nations facing the brunt of climate impacts.

In conclusion, Stiell's message serves as a clarion call for nations to prioritize ambitious climate action, underscoring the imperative of collective efforts to address the climate crisis and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.