President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), urged world leaders on Wednesday (Apr. 23) to submit ambitious carbon reduction targets. So far, only 10 percent of countries have presented their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which outline national efforts to fight climate change.
“The framework for preparing NDCs is flexible enough to align ambitious targets with each country’s development needs. Wealthy nations—those that have benefited most from the carbon-based economy—must assume their responsibilities. It is up to them to advance climate neutrality goals and scale up financing to meet the $1.3 trillion target,” the president said.
Lula and Secretary-General Guterres co-chaired a virtual high-level meeting with approximately 20 heads of state and government to promote global political mobilization in response to the climate emergency and to advance a new development model grounded in economic prosperity, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
“A just transition must include the perspectives of historically marginalized groups—such as women, black individuals, and indigenous communities—and take into account the realities of the Global South,” said the president, while paying tribute to Pope Francis. “I am confident that his teachings on the need for an ‘integral ecology,’ which views nature and humanity as interconnected, will continue to inspire us,” Lula added.
Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira described the meeting as a success, highlighting the participation of important leaders such as China and the European Union. He expressed confidence that it would generate momentum and mobilize the 196 countries that are part of the UN climate convention. “Important countries were selected—global players—not only major economies, but also several Small Island Developing States (SIDS),” he said at a press conference following the meeting.
“These countries are possibly the most affected by environmental impacts. That’s why it was so important to have leaders like the president of Palau and other island nations [at the meeting]—to share their experiences and appeal to all countries to submit their NDCs by the established deadline,” the minister added.
The deadline for submitting NDCs was originally set for February but was extended to September in preparation for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for November in Brazil. These documents outline each country’s targets for reducing fossil fuel emissions—coal, oil, and natural gas—with the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC, as established by the Paris Agreement.
Brazil submitted its updated NDC at the 2024 COP in Baku, Azerbaijan, committing to a 67 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, covering all sectors of the economy. “Domestically, we are developing a Climate Plan that will include strategies for mitigation, adaptation, and climate justice,” explained President Lula.
In a statement to the press following the meeting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that several leaders expressed their commitment to submitting their NDCs on time—including China, the world’s largest emitter of carbon and other greenhouse gases. According to Guterres, President Xi Jinping stated during the meeting that China’s targets will cover all sectors of the economy and all types of greenhouse gases.
“China participated in the meeting and not only confirmed it will submit its NDCs, but President Xi also stated that these targets will cover all economic sectors and all greenhouse gases. This is the first time China has provided such clarity on the matter, and it represents a crucial step forward for global climate action,” said Guterres.
Initiatives
During the meeting, Lula also sought support for four initiatives Brazil is proposing for COP30. The first is the Global Ethical Balance, a series of events aimed at bringing together young people, religious leaders, artists, native communities, scientists, and decision-makers to build a new environmental pact for the planet.
The second initiative is the Global Alliance to Fight Hunger and Poverty, launched by Brazil during its G20 presidency last year. In partnership with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the alliance developed a guide to help incorporate social policies and food system transformation into countries’ NDCs.
The third is the Global Initiative for Climate Change Information Integrity, in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It seeks to promote the value of science and combat misinformation surrounding climate change.
Finally, Lula introduced the Tropical Forests Forever Fund, set to be launched at COP30, which will provide financial support to developing countries that conserve their forests. The goal is for the fund to be operational by the time of the conference in Belém.
“With less than seven months until COP30, the planet appears to be entering territory unknown to science. Global warming is accelerating faster than anticipated. In 2024, Earth’s average temperature surpassed the critical 1.5-degree threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time,” Lula warned in his address to the leaders.
“Many ecosystems—such as forests, glaciers, and seas—are at risk of reaching a point of no return. The Amazon has experienced its worst drought in history, and extreme heat has led to widespread coral bleaching in the ocean. Denying the climate crisis will not make it disappear,” the Brazilian president added.
For him, COP30 must be a “great unified effort” to implement climate commitments. “Wars, arms races, and cuts to development aid and climate finance are driving us backwards. The planet has had enough of broken promises,” Lula stated.
*Paula Laboissière contributed to this report.
Original article published in Agência Brasil.
