Leaders Urge Stronger Climate Commitments Ahead of COP30 as Global Warming Surges | Science-Environment

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), a cornerstone of the Paris Agreement, define the climate ambitions of each nation. Their goal is to restrict the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

On 23 April 2025, a virtual summit titled the Climate Ambition Summit was held, drawing global leaders from every corner to accelerate the pace of climate action. The event, co-hosted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, united 17 heads of state and government from major economies, influential regional coalitions, and vulnerable countries.

President Lula highlighted the urgency for definitive actions:

“The Earth is weary of neglected promises. This year, all nations must introduce new NDCs with objectives to reduce carbon emissions by 2035,” he stated. “We must speed up the transition to sustainable energy sources and fulfill our commitments to climate finance. The current trajectory still directs us towards disastrous warming.”

Offering a strong statement, President Xi Jinping reiterated China’s commitment:

“Instead of just speaking, we need to act,” said Xi, committing that China would reveal its updated NDCs before the convening of COP30.

Highlighting the pressing situation, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) delivered a stern update:

Long-term projections for global warming now range between 1.34°C and 1.41°C, based on diverse methodologies. A team of international experts persistently refines these numbers to ensure they align perfectly with IPCC standards.

Irrespective of the methodology used, the core warning remains unchanged:

Each fraction of a degree of warming significantly amplifies societal threats and economic burdens.

With scientists across the globe ringing alarm bells and world leaders renewing their commitments, the path to COP30 becomes increasingly pivotal. It is imperative for countries to convert promises into tangible action, establish robust and credible NDCs, and collectively adjust the warming trend to align with the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

As President Lula succinctly expressed, the upcoming period is crucial for transforming commitments into real progress to avert the adverse impacts of rising global temperatures.