Ban welcomes submission of climate action plans by 147 nations ahead of Paris conference

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the submission of national climate action plans by 147 countries, accounting for over 85 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, calling it a “positive first step” towards achieving a universal climate change agreement this December.

The action plans, or Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), will form the basis of the agreement expected to be reached at the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, also known as COP21, to be held in Paris.

A statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson noted that the submission of INDCs at the 1 October milestone provides a solid foundation for a universal and meaningful agreement.

“The Secretary-General welcomes these INDCs as a positive first step,” said the statement.

“He calls on countries to include provisions in a Paris agreement that will enable them to regularly review and strengthen the ambition level of their national commitments in line with science,” it continued.

“A Paris agreement must be a turning point, and send a loud and clear signal to citizens and the private sector that the transformation of the global economy is inevitable, beneficial, and already underway.”

The Secretary-General encouraged all countries that have not already done so to submit their INDCs before the Paris conference.