Statement by the Diversity Europe Group

"It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. Climate change is already affecting every inhabited region across the globe with human influence contributing to many observed changes in weather and climate extremes"(Sixth Assessment Report of the IPCC, August 2021).

Climate change is already upon us and there is nowhere left to hide. Regular severe floods, fires, droughts and hurricanes. This is what the world looks like at 1.1 to 1.3° Celsius warmer than when the steam engine was invented. Today, it is impossible to ignore the impact of climate change on our daily lives. Nor can we imagine its impact, even if we reach the goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius. Our planet's future is very much under threat and there is no choice but to deliver on our common promises.

Cutting emissions, even at faster rates, will not be enough. We must also invest heavily in preparing emergency plans and in adapting to the changing climate. This will entail a mental shift: investing today and reaping the benefits in the next generation. But invest we must, with increased sustainable financial resources, backed up by strong commitments from public authorities, business, civil society and citizens. The European Green Deal and the "Fit for 55" package are both necessary and urgent. Moreover, the EU should…

Statement by the Diversity Europe Group