UNEP Chief Says COP30 Shows Paris Agreement ‘Still Delivering’ Despite Global Tensions

UNEP Chief Says COP30 Shows Paris Agreement ‘Still Delivering’ Despite Global Tensions

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman

ABUJA, NIGERIA November, 2025 - UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director Inger Andersen says the outcome of COP30 in Belém demonstrates that the Paris Agreement remains effective, even as global tensions threaten multilateral cooperation. In a closing statement, Andersen noted that negotiators delivered key advances, including a call to triple adaptation finance by 2035, the creation of a Just Transition Mechanism and new dialogues linking trade and climate-resilient economic transformation.

She emphasized that UNEP's scientific assessments continue to show the scale of the climate crisis, but equally highlight that practical, proven solutions are available. Andersen urged countries to treat forthcoming national climate plans as starting points rather than limits, stressing that keeping global warming within 1.5°C requires “unprecedented acceleration” in implementing clean energy, climate resilience and pollution-cutting measures.

The UNEP chief cautioned that the world is not yet on track, calling for faster and more ambitious action on both mitigation and adaptation. She warned that escalating climate impacts are affecting every region, underscoring the need for stronger financing and more urgent implementation of resilience measures.

Andersen also pointed to growing momentum at COP30 to transition away from fossil fuels, curb deforestation and accelerate methane reductions. She highlighted the launch of the US$6.7 billion Tropical Forest Forever Facility and praised the Brazil Presidency’s inclusive Action Agenda, which brought unprecedented leadership from Indigenous Peoples and broad engagement from civil society, cities, businesses and youth groups.

Reaffirming UNEP’s commitment, Andersen said the organization will work with partners worldwide to help deliver the full promise of the Paris Agreement, ensuring a safer, more resilient future for people and the planet.