The 74th session of the UN General assembly met in New York to tackle the global issue of climate change.
What We Know:
- On Sept. 23, the United Nations Climate Change Summit took place in New York. The summit is described on the UN’s website as leaders from government, business, and civil society gathering together to announce “potentially far-reaching steps to confront climate change.”
- The summit comes days after global climate strikes began on Sept. 20 to demand leaders take action against climate change. Many of the demonstrations across the world were lead by youth. The younger generation has proven to be major advocates for an environmental revolution.
- In an emotional speech at the summit, Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish activist, ridiculed world leaders for their role in the climate crisis. She stated, “You all come to us young people for hope. How dare you.” She continued, “For more than 30 years the science has been crystal clear. How dare you continue to look away and come here saying you are doing enough when the politics and the solutions needed are still nowhere in sight.”
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A closing press release outlined major accomplishments made at the summit including: 77 countries committing to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, France announcing that it will not enter into any trade agreement with countries with policies that counter the Paris Agreement, Germany committing to carbon neutrality by 2050, China announcing it would cut emissions by over 12 billion tons annually and the Russian Federation announcing that they will be the 187th country to ratify the Paris Agreement. Visit this website for a full list of commitments made at the summit.
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Seemingly pleased with the outcome of the summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the world leaders as he closed saying, “You have delivered a boost in momentum, cooperation and ambition. But we have a long way to go.”
Hopefully, the summit has inspired leaders to reevaluate their priorities.
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