Presidents and Prime Ministers from around the world took to the stand, to pledge their climate promises and goals.
Many more will continue to speak over the coming week.
We need a Climate Solidarity Pact in which developed & emerging economies unite around a common strategy & combine resources to address the climate crisis.
The two largest economies – the USA & China – have a particular responsibility to join efforts to make this Pact a reality. pic.twitter.com/j7nDLkiVv5
During the opening day of the summit, leaders clearly outlined the biggest threats to the climate, with a particular focus on the Ukraine war.
Climate promises
Newly-appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged his country’s climate initiatives during the opening day of COP27.
At the COP27 Climate summit, UK leader Rishi Sunak took to the stand, telling world leaders the Ukraine war is a reason to act urgently on climate change.
“Putin’s abhorrent war in Ukraine, and rising energy prices across the world, are not a reason to go slow on climate change…They are a reason to act faster…Climate security goes hand in hand with energy security.”
rishi sunak – uk prime minister
The Prime Minister went onto say the climate battle can be a driver for new jobs and clean growth. He also announced over $300 million in climate innovation and financing.
Today I will join leaders from across the world at @COP27P.
For our children and grandchildren, we must deliver on the legacy of Glasgow and protect the future of the planet. pic.twitter.com/tfbukFRBBC
The conference is an opportunity for world leaders to discuss global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep global warming below 1.5 degrees celsius.
However, new data released by the World Meteorological Organisation revealed the planet has likely recorded its hottest eight years in history.
The impacts of climate change are here now, and the loss & damage they cause can no longer be ignored.#COP27 must agree on a clear, time-bound roadmap reflective of the scale and urgency of the challenge.