UN Chief: National Climate Plans Cover Only One-Third of Needed Emissions Cuts
At COP31, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said current national climate action plans cover only about one-third of the emissions cuts needed. He called for a faster energy transition and more climate finance. The Viet Nam Pavilion is hosting events on green transition, carbon markets and climate finance.
The COP31 World Leaders Climate Action Summit took place in Antalya, Türkiye, on November 11–12. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said existing national climate action plans cover only about one-third of the emissions reductions needed globally. Even if countries fully implement their nationally determined contributions, global temperatures could still rise by about 2.5°C by the end of this century. To get back on track toward climate goals, global greenhouse gas emissions need to fall by about 6% each year.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for a new “climate justice pact.”（VietVance）
Guterres called for a new “climate justice pact” focused on accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels, protecting vulnerable groups, securing adequate funding and strengthening international cooperation. He said that, by 2035, global renewable energy capacity needs to reach three times its 2025 level, while electricity generation from coal-fired power plants without emissions control technology must fall by at least 75%. He presented these as actions needed to keep the 1.5°C goal within reach.
On climate finance, Guterres called on developed countries to provide at least $300 billion a year by 2035 and proposed taxing the windfall profits of major oil and gas companies to support vulnerable countries. Türkiye also called for countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments to developing nations and pursue a global electrification commitment for 2035. The funding amount and electrification goal remain proposals.
Representatives of Viet Nam’s negotiating delegation attend COP31.（VietVance）
The Viet Nam Pavilion opened during COP31 on November 9 and plans to hold more than 20 events from November 9 to 19. Topics include carbon markets, a just energy transition, green buildings and transport, climate finance and private-sector participation. Viet Nam also plans to hold a strategic dialogue on climate change and announce a new initiative on November 17.
Source: VietVance
