At the initiative of 2050Today, the Geneva Climate Action Forum, nearly 40 players in international Geneva have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of one third by 2030. They have drawn up a concrete Action Plan for decarbonising International Geneva demonstrating that a collective mechanism for reducing their carbon footprint is now in place and available to all institutions.
On the occasion of the 3rd 2050Today High-Level Meeting held at the World Meteorological Organization, International Geneva has adopted its Climate Action Plan on 4 December 2024.
12 months after the signing of the 2050Today Charter for decarbonisation, 36 participant institutions (permanent Missions, international Organizations, Academia and civil society entities) have adopted a specific roadmap to reach their climate objectives, in accordance with the Paris Agreement and in line with Switzerland, State and City of Geneva's climate strategies.
Together, these institutions, which employ 19,000 people, have pledged to implement over 1,000 actions aiming for an average 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These combined reductions represent a decrease of 53,000 tonnes of CO2 eq, comparable to the yearly emissions of 4,100 Swiss residents.
From energy-efficient buildings to greener mobility, responsible food systems, biodiversity protection, sustainable IT, and improved waste management, the adopted action plans reflect the determination of each institution to operate within planetary boundaries. With clear milestones set for 2025, 2028, and 2030, these plans represent a collective effort to tackle the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
As the global climate crisis intensifies, its multifaceted consequences on health, human rights, and population displacement become increasingly grave. At this event organized by 2050Today, four pivotal international organizations looked at the impact of climate change with the participation of Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Nada Al-Nashif, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Andrew Harper, Special Advisor of the High Commissioner on Climate Action, UNHCR - the UN Refugee Agency and Maria Neira, Director of Environment, climate change and health at the World Health Organization, and the moderation of Imogen Foulkes, Correspondent for Swissinfo and the BBC.
As Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, I am proud to support this initiative, which demonstrates the power of collaboration and ambition in tackling the triple planetary crisis. By working together and embedding sustainable practices in our daily activities, we show that meaningful change is both possible and imperative, points out Prof. Celeste Saulo.
We know that the challenge is as tremendous as the stakes: ensuring a sustainable future. The choices we make today will have an impact not only on tomorrow but mainly on the upcoming generations. Tonight, we have chosen to act responsibly, says Jean-Pierre Reymond, Executive Director of 2050Today.
Jürg Lauber, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Switzerland, Matthew Wilson, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Barbados, Cecilia Roselli, Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Geneva, and Jean-Pierre Reymond, Executive Director of 2050Today, also spoke on behalf of the Swiss authorities and the institutions adopting their
action plan.
