Latest news with #AndreCorreadoLago
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Countries agree on 10% UN climate budget rise
Simon Stiell, Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), speaks during an event with the newly announced COP30 President Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago, in Brasilia, Brazil February 6, 2025. Photo REUTERS Countries agreed on Thursday to increase the UN climate body's budget by 10% for the next two years, a move the body welcomed as a commitment by governments to work together to address on climate change, with China's contribution rising. The deal, agreed by nearly 200 countries - from Japan to Saudi Arabia, to small island nations like Fiji - at UN climate negotiations in Bonn, comes despite major funding cuts at other UN agencies, triggered in part by the US slashing its contributions, and political pushback on ambitious climate policies in European countries. Countries agreed to a core budget of 81.5 million euros for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) over 2026-2027, up 10% from 2024-2025. The core budget is funded by government contributions. The deal includes an increase in China's contribution, reflecting the country's economic growth. China, the world's second-biggest economy, would cover 20% of the new budget, up from 15% previously.
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Countries agree 10% increase for UN climate budget
FILE PHOTO: Simon Stiell, Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC), speaks during an event with the newly announced COP30 President Ambassador Andre Correa do Lago, in Brasilia, Brazil February 6, 2025. REUTERS/Andressa Anholete/File Photo BONN - Countries agreed on Thursday to increase the U.N. climate body's budget by 10% for the next two years, a move the body welcomed as a commitment by governments to work together to address on climate change, with China's contribution rising. The deal, agreed by nearly 200 countries - from Japan to Saudi Arabia, to small island nations like Fiji - at U.N. climate negotiations in Bonn, comes despite major funding cuts at other U.N. agencies, triggered in part by the U.S. slashing its contributions, and political pushback on ambitious climate policies in European countries. Countries agreed to a core budget of 81.5 million euros for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) over 2026-2027, up 10% from 2024-2025. The core budget is funded by government contributions. The deal includes an increase in China's contribution, reflecting the country's economic growth. China, the world's second-biggest economy, would cover 20% of the new budget, up from 15% previously. Only the United States, the world's biggest economy, was allocated a bigger share, of 22%. However, President Donald Trump quit the U.N. Paris climate agreement and halted international climate funding. Bloomberg Philanthropies has pledged to cover the U.S. contribution to the UNFCCC budget. The U.S. did not attend the U.N. climate talks this week in Bonn, Germany where the budget was approved. UN climate chief Simon Stiell welcomed the increase as "a clear signal that governments continue to see U.N.-convened climate cooperation as essential, even in difficult times." The UNFCCC runs annual climate negotiations among countries and helps implement deals that are made - including the 2015 Paris Agreement, which commits nearly all nations to limit global warming. The body has faced a severe budget shortfall in recent years, as major donors including China and the U.S. had not paid on time, prompting the body to cut costs including by cancelling some events. The UNFCC's running costs and headcount - its core budget funded 181 staff in 2025 - are smaller than some other U.N. bodies facing sharp funding cuts, such as the U.N. trade and development agency's roughly 400 staff. Meanwhile, the U.N. Secretariat, the global body's executive arm, is preparing to slash its $3.7 billion budget by 20%, according to an internal memo. REUTERS Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
Race to host next year's Cop heats up as Brazil urges focus on action over ambition
As the race to host Cop31 intensifies – with Australia and Turkey emerging as leading contenders – this year's host, Brazil, is calling for the focus to shift from pledges to implementation. Cop30 will be held in Belem in November but leading climate figures have raised concerns about what can be achieved amid an underwhelming build-up, with many members yet to submit their updated climate action plans. Brazil's President-Designate for Cop30, Andre Correa do Lago, said the summit, being hosted in the country's Amazon region, will prioritise an 'intensified action agenda' focused on real-world implementation. On Wednesday, the Australian government announced that it is committed to its bid to host Cop31 'in partnership with the Pacific in 2026". Meanwhile, Turkish officials are also making their intentions known with the seaside city of Antalya touted as a likely venue. Speaking at a London Climate Action Week, Mr Correa do Lago warned that the world needs to find a new way of 'incorporating the climate agenda in these times of crisis, because we are basically always in times of crisis'. Time for implementation 'We believe that the climate urgency should inspire all to do whatever they can in their area and have an impact on this fight,' he added. The Global Ethical Stocktake, a Brazilian initiative, is designed to hold governments and non-state actors accountable for climate justice, equity and emission cuts. Mr Correa do Lago said Cop30's goals are not to rewrite what was agreed in Paris or Dubai. 'Many people want to reiterate what was decided two years ago. Let's not reiterate. Let's implement it,' he said. He said showcasing economic benefits is vital, citing falling solar costs in China enabling clean energy projects in Africa, and Brazil's opportunity to 'leapfrog' carbon-intensive development pathways by leveraging its many renewable energy resources. Finance on the front lines The importance of finance in tackling the climate crisis was echoed on Thursday in Abu Dhabi, where the UAE Central Bank convened leading financial policymakers at its Climate Finance Forum. Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama warned that climate risks pose 'macro-financial challenges' to economies and institutions. 'The widespread flooding we witnessed in the UAE last year was the heaviest in 75 years,' he said. The UAE's green finance strategy focuses on 'people, policies and processes', including the rollout of Shariah-compliant climate tools, climate stress testing, and embedding sustainability into financial supervision. Dr Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, described the country's net-zero approach as 'pro-growth and pro-climate,' noting that oil and gas represent less than 30 per cent of the economy – down from 80 per cent a decade ago. 'We're directing climate finance to drive green opportunities at home and abroad,' she said. The private sector, too, is transforming. Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chair of the UAE Banks Federation, called the current moment 'transformational'.
South Wales Guardian
6 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
William urges ‘courage' ahead of world leaders meeting at Cop30
William also stressed the 'central' role indigenous people will play in nations achieving climate change goals when he met some of their leaders at a St James's Palace discussion to hear their concerns. The future King told the group from Brazil, invited to the event staged alongside London Climate Action Week, 'you guys know how to do it best' and said he wanted to 'shine a spotlight' on their work after a traditional necklace was placed around his neck and he was gifted chocolate. He also convened environment ministers and others from across the globe – including Cop30 president, Brazil's Andre Correa do Lago, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – alongside representatives from charitable foundations for the roundtable discussions. Mr Miliband echoed the prince when he told the guests: 'We must put indigenous people at the heart of the solutions to this crisis we face and if there is one declaration message from this event today, it is that.' William highlighted the climate change summit being hosted by Brazil in November, saying: 'Looking ahead to Cop30 in Belem and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. 'This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero.' Before the meeting started the prince, who is staging his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro in November, was invited to attend Cop30 in Brazil by the country's minister of environment and climate Marina Silva and replied: 'I'll be in the area Marina, let's see what happens.' William told the delegates how indigenous communities treat nature with 'respect' rather than as a 'resource to be extracted', adding: 'Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. 'If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, indigenous peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions. 'We've made bold commitments: to halt deforestation, restore ecosystems, and protect 30% of land, sea, and water by 2030. 'But these goals will remain out of reach unless we move from promises to action – grounded in respect, equity, and shared responsibility.' He acknowledged Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's minister for indigenous people, sat at the table and praised her 'incredible work' and said she was appearing in the final episode of his Guardians series about rangers and nature's wardens. Ms Guajajara said: 'Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is more than a question of justice, it is a strategy, urgent in order to protect the whole planet.'
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Politics
- Rhyl Journal
William urges ‘courage' ahead of world leaders meeting at Cop30
William also stressed the 'central' role indigenous people will play in nations achieving climate change goals when he met some of their leaders at a St James's Palace discussion to hear their concerns. The future King told the group from Brazil, invited to the event staged alongside London Climate Action Week, 'you guys know how to do it best' and said he wanted to 'shine a spotlight' on their work after a traditional necklace was placed around his neck and he was gifted chocolate. He also convened environment ministers and others from across the globe – including Cop30 president, Brazil's Andre Correa do Lago, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband – alongside representatives from charitable foundations for the roundtable discussions. Mr Miliband echoed the prince when he told the guests: 'We must put indigenous people at the heart of the solutions to this crisis we face and if there is one declaration message from this event today, it is that.' William highlighted the climate change summit being hosted by Brazil in November, saying: 'Looking ahead to Cop30 in Belem and beyond, we must act with greater ambition and deeper collaboration. 'This is a moment for courage. We are not starting from zero.' Before the meeting started the prince, who is staging his Earthshot Prize in Rio de Janeiro in November, was invited to attend Cop30 in Brazil by the country's minister of environment and climate Marina Silva and replied: 'I'll be in the area Marina, let's see what happens.' William told the delegates how indigenous communities treat nature with 'respect' rather than as a 'resource to be extracted', adding: 'Their stewardship and protection are among the most effective forces for conservation. 'If we are serious about achieving climate and biodiversity goals, indigenous peoples and local communities must be central to the effort as partners, leaders, and co-creators of solutions. 'We've made bold commitments: to halt deforestation, restore ecosystems, and protect 30% of land, sea, and water by 2030. 'But these goals will remain out of reach unless we move from promises to action – grounded in respect, equity, and shared responsibility.' He acknowledged Sonia Guajajara, Brazil's minister for indigenous people, sat at the table and praised her 'incredible work' and said she was appearing in the final episode of his Guardians series about rangers and nature's wardens. Ms Guajajara said: 'Protecting the rights of indigenous peoples is more than a question of justice, it is a strategy, urgent in order to protect the whole planet.'
