The following is a transcript of remarks delivered by UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell at the 8th Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA) in Wuhan, China, on 22 July 2024.
Honorable ministers,
Colleagues,
It is a pleasure to attend this 8th Ministerial on Climate Action, in the ancient city of Wuhan.
I thank our hosts sincerely for hosting these vital discussions.
Meeting today in the Yellow Crane Hall is symbolic.
After all, in Mandarin, the words for “crane” and “harmony” are closely associated.
Ultimately, our joint efforts are aimed at enabling humanity to live in harmony with our climate, and with the ecosystems on which we depend.
Because the climate crisis is hitting every nation's security, economy, and people, with rising fury and spiraling costs.
I've just come from my home island of Carriacou, where Hurricane Beryl, struck the Caribbean, leaving 98% of homes either destroyed or severely damaged.
Meeting with my family and community there, I was left with little else to say than ‘I’m glad you’re alive, and you can only take it day by day.’
As custodian of our intergovernmental climate process, this left me feeling gutted. Sick with the sense that this disaster is one of so many experienced just this year.
Here in China, there have been devastating floods in the south, and scorching heatwaves in the north.
The reality is we are not moving fast enough, even though we made good progress in Dubai, and the UAE consensus gives us the basis to build off for COPs 29 & 30.
We need bolder climate action from all nations, especially the G20.
We know the challenges that countries face when financing their climate plans – especially the least developed and most vulnerable - who are facing massive economic headwinds and debt crises.
So, first, we must redouble our commitment to a new global climate finance goal this year.
This new goal must be grounded in need, and must help countries attract investment and generate prosperity – while also reflecting the need for adaptation.
Second, new sources of funding are equally vital. It's essential that governments finally reach an agreement on Article 6. There is no more time for pushing this issue into the following year.
We need more climate finance while we negotiate a future goal. Progress on one enables the other.
Third, we need all nations to come forward with bold new national climate plans, as early as possible, that are 1.5 aligned, covering the whole economy, and all green house gases – they are due February 10th next year.
Done well, these plans are the key to stronger economic growth, more jobs and prosperity, much less pollution and better health.
Fourth, as I saw in Carriacou, climate adaptation is utterly essential right now.
Only 58 countries have submitted National Adaptation Plans so far. This isn’t enough. Every country needs to have an adaptation plan by 2025 and make progress on implementing them by 2030.
And fifth, it’s crucial that every country submits a Biennial Transparency Report.
These reports provide a clearer picture of both national and global progress, and help governments strengthen their climate policies.
Colleagues,
We must build on the progress we’ve made together. This period ahead couldn’t be more crucial.
Which brings me back to the virtues evoked by this great hall.
Cooperation is our only viable solution to this global climate crisis.
Solidarity is our only pathway, to the harmony and prosperity that all people need.
I thank you.
