Thursday 3 September 2020

UN Chief urges Japan to stop its reliance on fossil fuels

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged Japan to end the external financing of coal power plants, set an early phaseout transition for domestic coal use and increase the share of renewable energy.

The UN Chief, who made the appeal in an address to an online climate conference hosted by Japan, added he hopes the country commits to carbon-neutrality before 2050.

He noted the goals of halving global emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050 are achievable but warned the world is currently off track.

Mr Guterres also urged the wealthiest countries to maintain their climate finance commitments and continue to support the most vulnerable.

He said: "We are facing two critical crises, COVID-19 and climate change.

"Let us tackle both and leave future generations with the hope that this moment is a true turning point for people and planet."