When countries adopted the Paris Agreement, they committed to limiting the global temperature rise to well below 2°C while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. However, these efforts must be significantly accelerated across all levels of government and society, speakers at the SDG Lounge stressed.
“The next 18 months could determine the future for generations to come,” said America Ferrera, award-winning actress and IOM Goodwill Ambassador. “We have the power to change course—to slash emissions, transition away from fossil fuels, and protect the most vulnerable from the devastating effects of the climate crisis. But let’s be clear—this isn’t something we can do alone.”
Selwin C. Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General of the Climate Action Team, emphasized the urgency of the moment: “The 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement is not just a goal—it’s a physical limit. Crossing this threshold will have severe implications for lives and livelihoods.”
Mr Hart highlighted the devastating impacts of climate change already occurring, from wildfires to floods and droughts, affecting every region of the world. “This is a moment for maximum ambition, maximum acceleration, and maximum cooperation,” he said.
While the outlook for the 1.5°C target looks increasingly grim, Mr Hart pointed to progress in renewable energy deployment. However, he also called out stark inequities: developing countries receive only 15% of climate investment—no improvement from 2015 levels. He criticized government policies that subsidize fossil fuels, making them nine times cheaper than clean energy, while still expanding fossil fuel infrastructure.
“We have challenges, but none of these are insurmountable,” Mr Hart said, urging for massive financing for developing nations and expressing hope for progress at the upcoming Climate Conference in December. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, emphasized the leadership role of cities, which are home to half of the global population. “Cities are the doers. They are the changemakers. Cities are the first responders to the climate crisis,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of sharing knowledge and resources with cities in the Global South, praising initiatives like the C40 network for supporting climate actions in developing cities.
Hindou Ibrahim, SDG Advocate and indigenous rights activist, shared a sobering account of the impacts of climate change in Chad. “Two million people have been displaced because of flooding in just the past two months. Thousands have died, hundreds are missing, crops are destroyed, and millions are homeless. This is unacceptable,” she said.
Ms Ibrahim stressed the importance of implementing existing policies rather than drafting new ones and underscored the need to involve those directly affected by climate impacts in decision-making. Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister for Climate Change, Environment, and Energy of the Maldives, shared the unique vulnerabilities of his island nation. “The Maldives’ emissions account for just 0.00035% of global emissions. Yet we are bearing the brunt of the crisis,” he said, calling for faster and more decisive global action.
The speakers left the audience with a clear message: while challenges remain, the tools and solutions to address the climate crisis are within reach. Coordinated, ambitious action is essential to ensure a sustainable future for all.
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