We can still prevent planetary crash and burn.

Earth’s vital signs are failing: record emissions, ferocious fires, deadly droughts.

Weeks before the end of the year, we already know that 2023 will be the hottest year recorded in human history.

And as the COP28 Climate Conference is underway, the world remains miles away from the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

But it is not too late. We can still prevent planetary crash and burn.

My message to leaders as COP28 negotiations continue:

Protecting our climate is the world’s greatest test of leadership. I urge you to lead.

The success of this COP will depend on action in three areas.

First, drastically cutting emissions.

Current policies would lead to an earth-scorching three-degree temperature rise.

We need to see clear commitments for Nationally Determined Contributions presented by all countries that cover all greenhouse gases, and align with the 1.5-degree limit.

The G20 – which represents 80% of the world’s emissions – must lead.

Second, we must accelerate a just, equitable transition to renewables.

The science is clear: The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels.

Not reduce. Not abate. Phase out – with a clear timeframe aligned with the Paris Agreement goal.

The fossil fuel industry – the giant behind the climate crisis – is finally starting to wake up.

But recent promises from several oil and gas industry members clearly fall short of what is needed. There must be no room for greenwashing.

Countries must also commit to triple renewables, double energy efficiency, and bring clean energy to all by 2030.

Third, climate justice is long overdue.

Developing countries are being devastated by disasters they did not cause.

Extortionate borrowing costs are blocking their climate action plans.?

And support is far too little, far too late.

We need a surge in finance, including for adaptation and loss and damage.

And we need support the reform of the multilateral development banks to leverage far more private finance at reasonable costs for developing countries on climate action.

Developed countries must show how they will double adaptation finance to $40 billion a year by 2025 – as promised – and clarify how they deliver on the $100 billion – as promised.

Despite years of promises, greenhouse gas emissions are at an all-time high — and rising.

I share the frustration and anger of the young climate advocates I met at COP at the lack of decisive climate action.

I urge them, and all youth climate activists around the world, to keep up the pressure, keep pushing, and keep holding leaders accountable.

Young people like them are the climate fighters our world needs.

We need their voice. We need their action. We need their ideas.

By standing together as one, I know we can win.

Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance, but it is not too late.

We have the knowledge, technology and solutions to avoid the worst of climate chaos – if we act now.

What we need now is leadership, cooperation and political will to make this COP count.

Make this COP a gamechanger.

Make this COP the new hope in the future of humankind.

Together, let’s deliver the future that people and the planet need and deserve.