Remarks prepared for the Leadership Dialogues at the Fifth UN Environment Assembly

Unless we take action, future generations stand to inherit a hothouse planet with more carbon in the atmosphere than in 800,000 years. Unless we take action, future generations will live in sinking cities. From Basra to Lagos. From Mumbai to Houston. Unless we take action, future generations will be lucky if they can spot a black rhino. And unless we take action, future generations will have to live with our toxic waste – which every year is enough to fill 125,000 Olympic[1] size swimming pools.

As UNEP’s Making Peace with Nature report notes, the earth’s environmental emergencies must be addressed together to achieve sustainability. This means tackling the red thread that binds our emergencies together – decades of take-make-discard – i.e. unsustainable consumption and production. This means leadership.

So what does leadership for the planet look like?

As we strive to end poverty and reach the sustainable development goals, UNEP will continue to play its role, bringing the environmental dimension of sustainable development to the fore; bringing the science-policy dimension to the table; and supporting member states with capacity building and action on the ground.

Many countries have already achieved a lot on the sustainability pathway, but it is clear that we now need to step up the pace on achieving for environmental sustainability. Because we can stabilize the planet, but only if we work in the spirit of international solidarity, ensuring that we leave no one behind.

I very much look forward to hearing the interventions from the distinguished ministers and representatives who will speak in today’s dialogue. I remain certain that with clarity of vision, determination and through multilateral action and international cooperation, we can stabilize the climate; we can live in harmony with nature; and we can ensure a pollution-free planet. But only by working together, with common purpose and in mutual solidarity. Let today’s dialogue be a reflection of that global commitment.

Thank you.