On 23 September, the United Nations Climate Action Summit will take place in New York City, bringing together world leaders in an attempt to ramp up efforts in tackling climate change and curbing global greenhouse gas emissions that continue to rise year after year.

The urgency of the climate crisis calls for rapid actions, as we witness increasingly extreme weather events, see temperature records being broken and experience global warming's effects on our environment, ecosystems and health. Meanwhile, amplifying scientists’ and environmentalists’ concerns, citizens worldwide continue to take to the streets, making use of their democratic rights and calling for more ambitious global action to protect our planet.

The EU, currently committed to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, must set a strong example on the global stage and bring EU Member States on its side to back even more ambitious goals. In this context, the European Movement International welcomes Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen's plans to make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent and calls on the new European Parliament and Commission to step up actions and to make climate protection a top priority for Europe in this crucial period.