Enviro News Asia, New York – UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell has called for accelerated global climate action during his speech at Climate Week New York. Speaking at a flagship event organized by Mission 2025 and the launch of the Inside COP30 podcast by Outrage & Optimism, Stiell emphasized that the world is entering “a new era of climate action” that must be more closely connected to the real economy and people’s daily lives.
Stiell highlighted major achievements, such as renewable energy investments increasing tenfold over the past decade and a record US$2 trillion invested in clean energy in 2024. However, he warned that the benefits of the clean energy transition remain unevenly distributed, while climate disasters are becoming more frequent and damaging.
“We must connect the cabinet rooms, the boardrooms, and the living rooms—that’s how we strengthen climate action and get this job done,” he said.
According to Stiell, more than 90% of new renewable energy is now cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel option, demonstrating that technological solutions—such as clean power, electrification, energy efficiency, and resilience-building—are already available and must be rapidly deployed in all countries.
He also underscored the untapped potential of US$1.6 trillion worth of industrial projects that remain idle. To accelerate industrial transformation, he endorsed the launch of the global Build Clean Now initiative by the Industrial Transition Accelerator, aimed at fast-tracking the shift to clean industries and creating millions of quality jobs within the next five years.
In addition, Stiell stressed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to map climate risks, manage microgrids, and strengthen resilience planning, while cautioning about its associated risks.
Looking ahead to the upcoming climate conference, Stiell stated that COP30 in Belém, Brazil, must:
Follow up on the status of NDCs (national climate commitments) and the roadmap for US$1.3 trillion in annual funding.
Accelerate implementation across sectors and nations, including economies not yet accounting for climate risks.
Ensure that no one is left behind, particularly developing countries and vulnerable communities.
Demonstrate that bold climate action delivers tangible benefits: better jobs, higher living standards, cleaner air, improved health, food security, and affordable energy and transport.
“The world’s climate story doesn’t begin or end at COP30. Every COP builds on the last. The world remains firmly behind the Paris Agreement—and we must make it work faster,” Stiell stressed.
His call in New York underscored that, despite political differences and global challenges, momentum toward faster and more inclusive climate action is growing. Climate Week 2025 has become a key platform to strengthen global cooperation, share the benefits of a green economy, and reinforce the commitment to a safer climate future. (*)
