Climate Change

Let me begin by thanking our hosts —the UK government and the people of Glasgow — for their tremendous hospitality.

I salute Alok Sharma and his team.  This was an extremely challenging conference. They have shown remarkable expertise in reaching consensus among parties.
 
I am grateful to Patricia Espinosa and all my colleagues of the United Nations Climate Change team.

And I express my gratitude to all delegates — and all those on the outside who have put pressure on this COP to deliver.

Colleagues, friends,

This event – perhaps like no other at COP 26 – underscores a core truth:  

The climate action struggle requires all hands on deck.  

It is everyone’s responsibility.  

And you are showing the way.

Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen, all protocol observed,

I thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to address you at this global High Level Climate Vulnerable Countries Leaders’ Dialogue.

You stand on the frontlines of an ongoing COVID-19 crisis and an escalating climate emergency.

You represent those who are first to suffer and those who are last to receive help.

The solidarity you need is lacking.

The solidarity needs to emerge here in Glasgow.

I think this title is appropriate: Action and Solidarity - the Critical Decade. Because the most important act of solidarity, namely with the developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to climate change, is to guarantee that we do not go above 1.5 degrees. And to guarantee that we do not go above 1.5 degrees, this decade is essential.

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Dear Prime Minister Johnson, I want to thank you and to thank COP President Alok Sharma for your hospitality, your leadership, and your tireless efforts in the preparation of this COP.

Your Royal Highnesses,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

The six years since the Paris Climate Agreement have been the six hottest years on record. 

Our addiction to fossil fuels is pushing humanity to the brink.

We face a stark choice:  Either we stop it — or it stops us. 

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, Buongiorno. 
 
We are at a pivotal moment for our planet.   
 
On the eve of COP26 in Glasgow, all roads to success go through Rome. 
 
But let’s be clear — there is a serious risk that Glasgow will not deliver. 
 
Several recent climate announcements might leave the impression of a rosier picture.  
 
Unfortunately, this is an illusion.   
 

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Mr. President of the General Assembly — thank you very for convening us and for your commitment and leadership mobilizing us all for climate action.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen.

The United Nations and this assembly were created precisely for the kind of challenge that brings us together today.

The climate crisis is a code red for humanity.

This assembly — and governments around the world — face a moment of truth.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press — good morning.

I welcome my colleague Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

We are both here to keep sounding the alarm. 

Less than one week before COP26 in Glasgow, we are still on track for climate catastrophe even with the last announcements that were made. 

The 2021 Emissions Gap Report shows that with the present Nationally Determined Contributions and other firm commitments of countries around the world, we are indeed on track for a catastrophic global temperature rise of around 2.7 degrees Celsius.

Dear members of the press, thank you very much for your presence.   
 
I want to first of all thank Prime Minister Mottley and all Barbadians for your warm “Bajan” welcome — and for so graciously hosting this year’s UNCTAD.  
 
This country’s journey has been a remarkable one.  
 
Overcoming colonialism and achieving independence. 
 
Forging a modern and increasingly diverse economy.  

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I want to thank Prime Minister Mottley and all Barbadians for so warmly welcoming us and in particular, I will never forget, the wonderful day that Prime Minister Mottley gave me yesterday, showing me the enormous effort that her government is making in order to make sure that Barbados is able to defeat COVID, to defeat climate change, and to defeat inequality in the world. 
 
And I also would like to thank everyone who is part of the UN Conference on Trade and Development.