Today, although progress has been made in many places, action has slowed. The global corona-virus pandemic, Covid-19, is pushing the world to the brink of a global economic depression. Governments are cooperating much less, climate change meetings have been postponed and aid to the poorest countries is predicted to fall.
If climate change continues to increase, any development gains made will be reversed and make further gains impossible. Sustainable development cannot be achieved without climate action.
The latest progress report highlights the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in recovering from the corona-virus crisis. It states 'ambitious and immediate climate action is the only viable pathway that limits climate change, whilst protecting people, livelihoods and natural ecosystems'. This action would also have economic benefit, saving the global economy tens of trillions of dollars.