Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, met with about 17 global leaders, in a meeting convened in partnership with President Lula of Brazil.
Speaking at the Leaders Climate and Just Transition online, Guaterres, said countries must step up efforts to submit the strongest possible national climate plans well ahead of COP30.
The plans should align with 1.5 degrees and set emissions-reduction targets that cover all greenhouse gases.
He also said plans are expected to help speed-up a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewables, therefore, linking national energy and development strategies with climate goals, of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
At the next COP30, leaders are expected to deliver a credible roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year, for developing countries by 2035.
Developed countries must honour their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year, by this year.
“And we need significantly increased contributions and innovative sources of finance to support the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage.Across all these fronts, we will keep up the push — including at a special event in September in the final weeks to COP30.As today’s meeting made clear, we cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action” said Guaterres.
The meeting was attended by some of the world’s largest economies — including China and the European Union — and some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries.
Regional partnerships were also represented, including the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States and CARICOM.