Global leaders' climate pledges at the UNSG’s summit "fall way short of expectations," says ActionAid

Governments of the world, including China and the European Union, announced their climate plans, as well as Nationally Determined Contributions, at the high-level summit hosted by the United Nations Secretary General in New York today. ActionAid believes that the announcements, particularly from Global North countries, fall way short of expectations. 

Global Lead on Climate Justice at ActionAid International, Teresa Anderson said,

“It’s grim, isn’t it. So many governments are running scared from the corporations that care only for short-term profits over long-term survival of the planet. You can almost see the fossil fuel corporations frolicking through the climate policy landscape, merrily swinging a wrecking ball as they go.

“Sadly, the lack of action and finance from the rich countries that have caused the climate crisis means vulnerable communities are facing a scary future. The Global South is being hit first, but Global North governments are hurting their own citizens, too.

“Rich polluting countries like the EU must go much further in practice than these lowball statements of intent. At the same time, we need to recognise that these insufficient climate commitments are a symptom of a deeper political sickness being felt in many countries. This is a clear signal that we need to demand more from our governments - to strengthen democracy, stand up to corporations, and fix the climate.”