From Climate Commitments to Climate Action
Reflections from World Environment Day in Geneva
Geneva — 5 June 2026
On World Environment Day, governments, international organizations, scientists and civil society representatives gathered at Geneva’s International Environment House for a high-level dialogue on climate change and the road to COP31, which will be hosted by Türkiye later this year.
Green Cross International participated in the event alongside its partner Zoï Environment Network, engaging with delegates, UN agencies and environmental organizations. The occasion provided an opportunity to present a climate declaration endorsed by 200 NGOs and to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders working across the environmental sector.
A clear message emerged throughout the discussions: climate crisis is no longer a future threat. Presenting the latest findings from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), experts highlighted record greenhouse gas concentrations and rising global temperatures. These trends are already translating into more frequent and severe extreme weather events, with consequences being felt by communities around the world.
At the same time, speakers emphasized that the climate agenda is entering a new phase. The challenge is no longer defining commitments, but implementing them. Achieving climate goals will require coordinated action by governments, businesses, financial institutions, researchers, local authorities and civil society. Cities, in particular, were highlighted as key actors, both because of their vulnerability to climate impacts and their capacity to deliver practical solutions.
One of the strongest messages to emerge from the dialogue was that climate change cannot be addressed in isolation. Discussions connected climate action with public health, human rights, biodiversity, trade, finance and support for communities experiencing loss and damage. For us, this strongly resonates with our long-standing holistic approach. Climate change is deeply interconnected with health, food security and social stability, requiring solutions that place people at the centre while advancing environmental protection and sustainable development.
Despite the scale of the challenge, speakers highlighted encouraging progress in areas such as renewable energy, nature-based solutions and local climate action. Many effective responses are already available; the challenge now is to turn them into broader action.
As preparations for COP31 continue, the dialogue in Geneva served as a reminder that meaningful climate action depends not only on commitments, but on implementation.
- GCIHQ Team
STEPS TO A CLIMATE SAFE AND FAIR FUTURE
Key Messages from KlimatSverige (Climate Sweden), a network of NGOs and Climate Movements
Steps for a Rapid and Managed Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
Science is clear: A rapid and managed fossil fuel phase-out is required to stay within the Paris agreement target range. The committed CO2 emissions expected from existing fossil fuel infrastructure exceed the remaining carbon budget consistent with the Paris Agreement target temperature range. Yet governments, companies and investors continue expanding infrastructure for production and consumption of fossil fuels. To consider:
• International Court of Justice declared July 23rd, 2025: States are obliged to tackle climate change
• A global decommissioning plan, a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuel, is required!
• We propose that the 100 largest fossil fuel producing companies, of which half are state-owned, are invited to a workshop to achieve a signed ’Declaration of interest’
• The fossil-fuel producing companies should be offered professional help and tools like the ’1,5°C Business Playbook’ or ’Transition Plan Template’ (Exponential Roadmap Initiative).
• Fossil fuel company profits can be used to finance climate safe energy transition, in exchange for not being prosecuted.
Steps for a Just Transition and Climate Justice
Science is clear: There can be no effective transition to combat Climate Change without climate justice and a just transition. Rich countries and rich people within countries are responsible for the main part of greenhouse gas emissions – both historical and today. To consider:
• An International Agreement on Wealth Taxes is an urgent measure to address destructive and growing social inequalities.
• A comprehensive programme on debt releases for vulnerable states in Global South – in exchange for large scale climate investments,
• Involvement of local and indigenous communities and trade unions in transition agendas
Steps for ecosystem recovery and protection
Science is clear: Ecosystems and natural resources are degrading at an unprecedented pace and extent. Climate Change and ecosystem degradation are interconnected. Our extractive economy is increasingly non-compatible with a sustainable society. To consider:
• An International Ecocide Law must be implemented to enforce large-scale ecosystem crimes.
• Large-scale forest clearing must be prohibited
• Large-scale seafood extraction must be curbed through international agreements
• Large-scale Promotion of Agricultural methods like Agroecology and Regenerative farming
• Implementation of Incentives and measures to enhance natural carbon sinks
Green Cross is a member of the Climate Network, a coalition of over 200 organizations promoting a fair transition to a climate-neutral future.
