UN chief calls for “bold and meaningful” COP21 climate deal

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a “bold and meaningful” global climate deal due to be signed in Paris in December.

The UN chief spoke to French ambassador’s with the aim of boosting political momentum in the build-up the UN Climate Change Conference that runs from 30 November to 11 December.

The deal is designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions and prevent a global average temperature increase of 2°C that scientists say would cause catastrophic climate change impacts.

Ban also addressed negotiators and government officials at UN climate talks in Bonn last week and addressed the need to accelerate the international climate negotiation process and the increasing economic viability and urgency of a global transition to a low carbon economy.

Ban said: “There is growing awareness at all levels, in all sectors and in all regions, that there needs not be a trade-off between economic growth and addressing climate change. These two objectives can be complementary and mutually reinforcing.”

This growing level of confidence in the low carbon economy from business, government and civic society leaders will be showcased in front of world leaders in New York in a few weeks as the seventh annual Climate Week NYC takes place.

In his speech, Ban Ki-moon spoke of the progressive climate action of these sub-national governments by highlighting the success of the Compact of Mayors: “In the past year, 17 cities have signed up to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.”

Ban added: “Unless we take urgent action on climate change, we will not achieve sustainable development. All countries and all sectors of society have a role to play.”

The UN chief said an effective climate deal would need to be durable enough to provide the private sector with the security and regulations they need to invest in low carbon projects and be flexible in providing incentives and ambitious national climate targets.

A deal would also need to be able to maintain equity and support the adaptation needs of developing nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including small island developing states (SIDS).

The upcoming deal should be based on credible and transparent measuring mechanisms for monitoring and reporting progress and credible climate financing will be a crucial element of any strong agreement.

Ban called for a continued “demand that global leaders act on climate change and secure an ambitious, universal agreement” and said that a strong and ambitious international agreement would send a “strong signal that the world is committed to a low carbon future, and there is no going back.”