U.N. climate chief says two years to save the planet

Governments, business leaders and development banks have two years to take action to avert far worse climate change, the U.N.’s climate chief said on April 10, in a speech that warned global warming is slipping down politicians’ agendas.

Governments, business leaders and development banks have two years to take action to avert far worse climate change, the U.N.'s climate chief said on April 10, in a speech that warned global warming is slipping down politicians' agendas.

Scientists say halving climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is crucial to stop a rise in temperatures of more than 1.5 Celsius that would unleash more extreme weather and heat.

Also Read | How climate change is making the world sick

Yet last year, the world's energy-related CO2 emissions increased to a record high. Current commitments to fight climate change would barely cut global emissions at all by 2030.

Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change said the next two years are "essential in saving our planet".

"We still have a chance to make greenhouse gas emissions tumble, with a new generation of national climate plans. But we need these stronger plans, now," he said.

Speaking at an event at the Chatham House think-tank in London, Mr. Stiell said the Group of 20 leading economic powers — together, responsible for 80% of global emissions — urgently needed to step up.