The first days of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow were dedicated to speeches by various political leaders. During his time on the podium, prime minister Xavier Bettel (DP) was adamant that Luxembourg will continue to meet the climate related challenges. He highlighted that the grand duchy has increased its target for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

“Only if we reach the 5°C target we agreed to in Paris will we be able to avoid, among other things, torrential rains, deadly floods, fires that sweep away millions of hectares and rising sea levels--extreme weather events which we have experienced this year on all continents,” said Bettel.

The prime minister reiterated Luxembourg’s position that nuclear energy is not one of the solutions to the climate crisis, stating it was neither a safe nor a durable option.

Bettel expressed his support for US president Biden’s decision to rejoin the Paris accord, highlighting the need for the world’s biggest economies to work together. However, he added that civil society, economic actors, and financial markets are all part of the process too. For him, the collective climate action lacked ambition and its implementation was too hesitant. Bettel concluded his speech saying: “The climate crisis demands action today, let’s go to work!”