In a year that has cast darkness upon many, the 2020 UN Global Climate Action Awards, announced on Tuesday, shone a light on the positive action that many across the globe are taking, to combat climate change. While COVID-19 is the world's most clear and present danger, climate change is a menace that threatens all future generations, according to the head of the UN climate change convention. "The last eight months have been a nightmare for many throughout the world," said UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Patricia Espinosa, pointing out that the pandemic has "altered lives, economies and the nature of business on every continent—from the largest cities to the smallest villages." And while it is "the most urgent threat facing humanity today," she quickly added, "we cannot forget that climate change is the biggest threat facing humanity over the long term." Building sustainably The UNFCCC chief attested that the convergence of these two crises has "opened a window of opportunity to build forward — to build cities and communities that are safe, healthy, green and sustainable." "Nothing exemplifies this better than the efforts of our 2020 award-winning activities to address climate change," she upheld. This year's award-winning projects demonstrate leadership on climate change by nations, businesses, investors, cities, regions and civil society as a whole. They range from the Caribbean's only carbon-neutral hotel, to the world's inaugural green bonds platform and the first all-women solar team in Lebanon. Secretary-General António Guterres congratulated the winners, saying that they "provide tangible proof that climate action is under way around the world". "It is exciting to see these climate solutions, which reinforce my call for decisive leadership on climate change by Governments, businesses and cities, and for a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic," stated the UN chief. "Let us keep pressing ahead to build a more sustainable and equitable future for all". Spearheading momentum As governments work toward implementing the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the awards are part of a wider effort to mobilize climate action and ambition. They also set the stage for two upcoming climate change events. The Race To Zero Dialogues, from Nov. 9-19, will serve as critical input to the UNFCCC Climate Dialogues to advance work governing the rules of the Paris Agreement, which runs from Nov. 23 to 4 Dec. 4. The UN Global Climate Action Awards are spearheaded by the Momentum for Change initiative at UN Climate Change and each project presents an innovative solution that both addresses climate change and helps drive progress on other SDGs. "It is crucial we celebrate all actors who are leading the way," said Gabrielle Ginér, chair of the Advisory Panel. "The recipients of the UN Global Climate Action Awards send a strong political signal to all nations — and through their leadership and creativity, we see essential change." The 2020 winning activities, selected by an international Advisory Panel, can be found here. — UN News
