UNEP chief hails COP30 as proof the Paris agreement Is delivering

Andersen stressed that the scale of the climate challenge remains immense

The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, stated that the just-concluded COP30 talks have shown the Paris Agreement is working and delivering results. Her statement highlighted specific outcomes as evidence of progress, though she also warned that the world must move much faster to meet climate goals. 

Andersen noted that COP30 unfolded amid rising geopolitical tensions, making progress far from guaranteed. Yet, she emphasized that the talks in Belém demonstrated that the Paris Agreement continues to drive action and deliver meaningful results. Among the key outcomes were the call to triple adaptation finance by 2035, the establishment of a Just Transition Mechanism to ensure the emerging green economy benefits all communities, and the launch of new dialogues on how global trade can support climate-resilient economic transformation. The conference also advanced discussions on integrating mountain protection into climate policy.

Referencing UNEP’s science and data, Andersen stressed that the scale of the climate challenge remains immense, but so does the evidence that viable solutions exist and that a pathway to meeting global climate commitments is still achievable. She warned that no one should assume the world is on track, underscoring the need for greater ambition and accelerated action. Countries, she said, must treat their new national climate plans as a baseline to expand upon rather than a limit to their efforts. Keeping the 1.5°C goal within reach will require an unprecedented era of implementation to deliver affordable clean energy, healthy jobs, clean air, and a safer, more resilient future for all. As climate impacts intensify worldwide, she highlighted the urgent need to strengthen the financing, implementation, and prioritization of adaptation efforts.

Andersen also pointed to the growing global momentum to transition away from fossil fuels—building on commitments made at COP28 in Dubai—and to halt deforestation. She welcomed the launch of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which has reached US$6.7 billion in commitments, as a major step forward. She stressed the importance of rapid, high-impact measures such as reducing methane emissions.

Furthermore, she praised the inclusive and action-oriented spirit fostered by the Brazil Presidency through the COP30 Action Agenda. She highlighted the unprecedented leadership of Indigenous Peoples from the Amazon and around the world, and recognized the vital contributions from businesses, cities, regions, local communities, civil society, women, people of African descent, youth, and others who are driving climate action beyond the negotiating rooms.

Andersen reaffirmed UNEP’s commitment to supporting all partners in delivering on the promise of the Paris Agreement—for the benefit of both people and the planet.