Latest news with #ParisClimateAccord
![[Contribution] Kenya honors Ban Ki-moon: A beacon of environmental diplomacy, global leadership](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwimg.heraldcorp.com%2Fnews%2Fcms%2F2025%2F07%2F22%2Fnews-p.v1.20250718.af04c21d56f94915bbe8fe13537e4dc7_T1.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Contribution] Kenya honors Ban Ki-moon: A beacon of environmental diplomacy, global leadership](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fkoreaherald.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Contribution] Kenya honors Ban Ki-moon: A beacon of environmental diplomacy, global leadership
At a historic ceremony at the State House in Nairobi on July 8, 2025, Kenya awarded its highest civilian honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, to the 8th United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. The event highlighted Kenya's vital role in promoting sustainability and demonstrated the enduring influence of Ban's advocacy for climate action. The award, presented to him in Nairobi, recognized not only his extensive diplomatic achievements but also his profound and ongoing commitment to advancing multilateral cooperation in the fight against climate change. To put this into perspective, during his tenure at the United Nations, he championed landmark agreements, including the Paris Climate Accord. His relentless efforts to unite nations in pursuit of a greener, fairer world have left an indelible mark on global policy and inspired a new generation of leaders. Kenya's decision to recognize Ban's contributions serves as a testament to the country's leadership in environmental matters, reinforcing its reputation as a beacon of hope and innovation on the African continent. President William Ruto, in his tribute, described Ban as 'a bridge-builder and a champion of the world's most vulnerable,' praising his 'tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication to building a peaceful, just and sustainable world.' President Ruto noted that Ban's tenure as the eighth secretary-general of the United Nations was characterised by significant and transformative initiatives. His leadership played a crucial role in the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the establishment of UN Women to promote gender equality, and the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals, which collectively aimed to address some of the most pressing global challenges. In his acceptance speech, Ban expressed deep gratitude, saying, 'It is humbling for me to receive such recognition in this beautiful country. Kenya means so much to me professionally and personally,' he said, noting that his daughter met her husband in Kenya and that his grandson spent his early years in Nairobi. This intimate and personal connection is not lost on Kenya, which has previously welcomed Ban Ki-moon in both private and official capacities. The award ceremony coincided with the groundbreaking of the dual headquarters of the Global Centre on Adaptation at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. The GCA is a leading international organization, currently headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands, housed in the world's largest floating office, with a focus on accelerating climate adaptation solutions. Its new African base will serve as a regional hub for policy dialogue, research and capacity-building. The establishment of dual headquarters symbolizes a bridge between the Global North and South in tackling climate challenges. The GCA's presence in Nairobi is an affirmation of Kenya's leadership in climate resilience and sustainable development. Ban's post-UN leadership is deeply rooted in climate resilience and sustainable development. As the President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute and co-founder of the GCA, he has continued to champion climate adaptation and green growth, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa. Kenya's connection with these two organizations is no coincidence. It shows a shared vision: that climate action should be inclusive, locally led and globally supported. When Ban was awarded in Nairobi, the only city in the global South hosting the United Nations headquarters, the United Nations Environment Program, which also houses the United Nations Office at Nairobi, offers a unique symbol of multilateral diplomacy that highlights Ban's career as a diplomat. It is worth noting that President William Ruto presented the award, as he is a leading voice in global climate leadership, serving as the chair of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change. Kenya's decision to honor Ban is not only symbolic but also a strategic affirmation of the country's dedication to environmental diplomacy. Ban's remarks during the ceremony captured the urgency and hope that characterize the climate movement: 'Climate change is the greatest collective challenge we face as a human family. But it is also our greatest opportunity for common progress towards a sustainable future.' He added, 'The longer we delay, the more we will pay.' These words resonate deeply in Kenya, where communities are already grappling with the effects of droughts, floods and biodiversity loss. Yet, through innovation, policy reform and international cooperation, Kenya is forging a path forward that prioritizes people, the planet and prosperity. The conferment of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart on Ban is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a declaration of Kenya's values: solidarity, sustainability and global citizenship. It honors a legacy of leadership that has shaped the world and signals Kenya's readiness to lead in the next chapter of international climate action. As Ban eloquently stated, "That this century is Africa's century and Kenya is not just a leader in Africa, it is a global example of how nations can rise to meet the challenges of our time with courage, innovation and unity.' In celebrating Ban, Kenya celebrates the power of diplomacy, the promise of green growth and the potential of a continent poised to shape the future. sanjaykumar@
Euronews
10-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
Hoekstra warns Trump policy is a 'major blow' to climate efforts
The Trump administration's reversal of climate policy will have "significant consequences" for the future, EU Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra has said. The EU recently outlined its path to attaining 90% net reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2040. Europe is the fastest warming continent with dramatic weather events – from floods to drought -already unfolding across several member states. Hoekstra says the US pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord is a "major blow" to international efforts to tackle climate change. US President Donald Trump fundamentally changed America's climate change policy when, for the second time, he withdrew from the Paris Climate Accord. In addition, the Trump administration reversed an Obama-era clean power plan aimed at reducing carbon emissions from power plants and rolled back emissions standards for vehicles. Although the EU says it is pressing ahead with its plans to deal with global warming, the overall ability for the world to tackle the issue is limited due to the about turn by the US, Hoekstra told Euronews. As the world's second largest emitter of CO2 gas, its "clearly deeply unfortunate and a major blow to international effort", Hoekstra said. "Climate change doesn't discriminate. It doesn't matter for the heating up of the planet where CO2 is being pumped into the air. And if then the second largest emitter, the most formidable power across the globe in geopolitical terms, and the largest economy basically says, well, thanks but no thanks, we no longer play ball. That is, of course, something that has very significant consequences," he said. But Hoekstra says all might not be lost if US investors see the dividends from technologies in the green tech sector. He says the private sector will be useful in paving the way for innovation and delivery of better, greener technologies which will help the environment. "My read is that you will see in the US that whenever an investment in, for example, cleantech pays off, and as a side effect is also something that is good for climate, businesses are not gonna stop it," he said. Hoekstra also points out that Europe needs to grasp this opportunity to win back or attract innovation to the continent in the growing, green technology sector though major European investment and a functioning capital markets system across the EU. "We need to reshape the landscape in such a way that innovation can flourish across Europe and that will take huge steps in terms of the capital markets union," he said. It will take "way more investments from businesses and governments alike in tech and in AI," he said.
Bloomberg
10-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
OPEC Fortifies Outlier View That Oil Demand Will Grow to 2050
OPEC reinforced its view — an outlier even within the petroleum industry — that global oil consumption will keep increasing to the middle of the century. Demand will grow by roughly 19% to reach almost 123 million barrels a day by 2050, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said in a report Thursday. That's about 3 million a day more than it predicted in September. India will lead the expansion, and US President Donald Trump's decision to exit the Paris climate accord is supporting the outlook, it said.
Mint
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Mint
Donald Trump admits 2020 US election defeat in his ‘life evolution video', says ‘They tried to end my…'
US President Donald Trump released a new video on his social media platform, Truth Social, on July 4, offering a rare and candid reflection on his personal and political journey. The video, titled 'Best life evolution video of President Donald J Trump" has his initial open admission of his loss in the 2020 presidential race. A subtitle in the clip states, 'Lost 2020 elections but remain committed to Make America Great Again (MAGA)", representing a significant shift from his earlier remarks where he consistently asserted the election was 'rigged' or stolen. It traces Trump's life from his childhood, through his business career, and into his years as a political figure, highlighting the challenges and controversies Trump faced during his presidency, referencing times when he felt 'pressured and attacked", It further alludes to a near assassination attempt in July 2024, underscoring the personal risks and dangers Trump says he has endured. It begins with his journey at New York Military Academy from 1959-1964, followed by various tasks after graduation from taking over Trump organisation to building grand Hyatt hotel to opening Trump Tower and others. It says Trump "took financial hits and weathered business bankruptcies in 1990s. It mentions about his presidential bid in June for running in 2015 election as Republican, which he calls 'an upset victory' when he was elected as 45th President on November 8 in 2016, further featuring that he signed key legislation and executive orders during his tenure. The video concludes stating that he has returned to office as 47th President of America on January 20, 2025, adding, 'They tried to end my story…but all they did was write a new chapter in America's History." Trump won the 2024 election on November 6, 2024, defeating Kamala Harris and securing the necessary electoral votes. His inauguration took place in the US Capitol Rotunda on January 20, 2025, becoming the second president in US history, after Grover Cleveland, to serve two non‑consecutive terms. Some of the sweeping executive orders issued by Trump during his initial days in office included rescinding birthright citizenship, revoking gender identity recognitions, and withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Euronews
02-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra defends carbon credits
EU Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, says the EU plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 is an opportunity to 'build bridges' with Africa and Latin America. Part of the proposal allows the use so-called carbon credits where Brussels pays third countries to cut their pollution levels instead of decarbonising in the EU. The carbon credits will make 3% contribution to emission reductions, but critics argue the idea is short-sighted and its effectiveness is hard to verify. Furthermore, there are concerns that countries paid to absorb EU greenhouse emissions will be unable to meet their own targets under the Paris Climate Accord, in addition to slowing economic growth. 'In this hugely complicated geopolitical world, there is a lot of value also for us in building more bridges with our friends in Africa, Latin America,' Hoekstra told Euronews. 'The presumption is that there some sort of a discrepancy between, on the one hand, economic growth and on the other hand climate action and our job is to make sure that we continue with climate action but do so in a way that works for our people, works for companies and works for our economy,' he said. Hoekstra said global warming is a 'man-made' issue which will become worse before it gets better, particularly in Europe. 'The impact on our societies, on our people, on all our businesses, on our communities in terms of floods, in terms wildfires is very, very significant.' Furthermore, he said Europe is experiencing twice the global rate of 1.5% warming. 'Europe is double that number, we're talking about three degrees,' he said. Hoekstra, a former Dutch foreign affairs minister, also said it was unfortunate that the Trump administration has withdrawn from key multilateral climate pacts such as the Paris Agreement. But he says important investors will be lured to the lucrative cleantech industry despite the government abandoning the issue. 'The second largest emitter, the most formidable power across the globe in geopolitical terms, and the largest economy basically says, well, thanks but no thanks, we no longer play ball, that is of course something that has very significant consequences', he says. 'At the same time my read is that you will see in the US that whenever an investment in for example cleantech pays off and as a side effect is also something that is good for climate, businesses are not going to stop it.'
