By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS (Reuters), – Patricia Espinosa, U.N. Climate Chief, has a message for the rest of the world. The invasion by Russia in Ukraine is not an excuse to ignore the escalating global climate crisis.

Espinosa stated to Reuters that global warming is the most rapidly-growing threat to the human species, despite the fact that the war has caused “so much suffering”.

Espinosa stated that she would be stepping down from her position as U.N. executive secretary. Framework Convention on Climate Changes (UNFCCC), Espinosa will be retiring as executive secretary of the U.N.

The UNFCCC, a treaty of 196 countries that organizes international negotiations to address climate change is it.

She stated, “This agenda cannot be delayed,” adding that energy security concerns raised by war (Russia is a large global supplier of fossil fuels) could help countries transition to clean energy.

On Tuesday, the European Union will announce plans to stop using Russian fossil fuels for security purposes. Germany – Europe’s biggest economy – has also brought forward its shift to renewable power. Russia provides 40% of Europe’s natural gas.

Espinosa stated, “It’s an important change in how the issue of energy transformation is being dealt with.”

Moscow claims that its actions in Ukraine are a “special operation”, to arm its neighbor and detain “neo Nazis”. According to the Western Allies, Ukraine claims this is a pretext to invading a country with 44 million inhabitants.

However, countries’ efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy may lead to more domestic coal consumption. Germany also plans to construct terminals that can receive natural gas from other countries since the invasion.

Climate analysts however shared Espinosa’s belief that global climate action will pivot from the geopolitical crisis.

Alex Scott from think tank E3G, leader in climate diplomacy said that there is no evidence to suggest “climate” will be removed from the fiscal or political agendas of governments. Both crises are possible to be handled by governments.

CHANGE IN GUARD

2016 was a momentous year for global climate action. Espinosa became the first woman to hold this position. Months earlier, U.N. climate negotiations had produced the Paris Agreement. This agreement committed countries to limit warming below 2 degrees Celsius and aim for 1.5C.

Millions have joined the fight for climate action in recent years. Many countries, including those that are the most polluting, such as China and the United States have increased their emission-cutting goals. Renewables accounted for more than 80% in the new generation of electricity that was added between 2020 and 2025.

But global CO2 emissions keep on rising. The promised funding by rich countries for poor countries fighting climate change is still not available. The 1.1C warming we have already witnessed has made weather extremes worse, from severe heatwaves and torrential downpours to devastating wildfires. Last week, a U.N. report on climate science warned that countries will face increasing destruction if they fail to reduce their emissions and plan for a warmer planet.

Espinosa stated that “We have made progress in the right direction.” “But, at the same…of course, we could have done more,” Espinosa said.

The U.N. climate summit, COP26 in November, reached an agreement where countries agreed to increase their emission-cutting commitments for this year. Current plans wouldn’t have been able to reduce global warming to 1.5C.

Espinosa indicated that her final months will be spent urging ambitious commitments for the U.N. climate summit, COP27. It takes place in Egypt in November.

In addition, she will promote contentious negotiations on how to handle the “loss of damage” caused in part by climate-related natural disasters in less developed countries. Rich nations have so far resisted the requests of vulnerable countries for financial assistance for disaster relief.

Espinosa indicated that although she didn’t have any plans, she was open to continuing her work towards environmental sustainability. Although her replacement has been selected by the United Nations, it is still not in process.

She said that the biggest problem facing her successor as UNFCCC Coordinator is speed. This test comes in the face of a lengthy process where it can take many years to reach an agreement between its 200 member countries.

Espinosa stated, “It is vital to have a sense that this is urgent.” “We no longer have the luxury of slow progress.”