Climate Action 2016-2017

FOREWORD
FOREWORD
CLIMATE ACTION
FOR COP22
By Erik Solheim, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and
Executive Director of UN Environment (UNEP)
This 10th Anniversary Edition of Climate
Action comes at an extraordinary time. On
the 5th October 2016 the landmark Paris
Climate Change Agreement came into force, as 55
Parties covering more than 55 per cent of global
greenhouse gas emissions ratified the Agreement.
This is an incredible political achievement.
The speed at which countries have made the
Paris Agreement’s entry into force possible is
unprecedented, and reflects a consensus among
governments that robust global cooperation is
essential to tackle the climate challenges we face.
But this is also just the start. We must not allow
this to become a wasted opportunity, and we have
to keep up the momentum. Countries must act
on their promises quickly and in unison if we are
to stand any chance of blunting the most serious
impacts of climate change.
Whilst COP21 marked an incredible turning
point, paving the way forward from this momentous
occasion is just as important. This year’s COP22
"Climate change is an
issue that no one country
or organisation can solve
by themselves and we
must work together to
tackle this global threat."
- taking place in Marrakesh - aims to do exactly
that. With a central focus on driving policy
implementation and enhancing ambition, the COP
will strongly encourage and facilitate international
cooperation and support to achieve this. Climate
change is an issue that no one country or
organisation can solve by themselves and we must
work together to tackle this global threat.
In this edition of Climate Action, world-class
thought leaders - from Government, the United
Nations, business, finance and industry - explore
proactive collaboration for the delivery of more
effective, scaled-up climate action in line with the
Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development
Goals. A key aim of this edition is to demonstrate
the need for enhanced private sector
involvement. Delivering on the Paris Agreement
will require significant investment and finance,
as well as commitment from all sectors. The
creation of public-private partnerships will be
a key part of the process, particularly in the
development of clean technologies.
A second theme apparent throughout is
the need to support and invest in emerging
regions, including Africa and parts of the Middle
East, Latin America and Asia. The need for less
developed countries to access international
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