Dear Secretary Kerry,

Firstly, a big thank you for your tremendous efforts in your new role as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. We share your vision of keeping global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees celsius. We know that many countries have come forward and have submitted plans to be net-zero by 2050, but this is not enough.

The United Nations has clearly said that we need to cut emissions by 50% this decade if we are to have a chance at achieving our goals. As you know, this means that governments need to work towards a 7.6% reduction in emissions each year this decade. We are very concerned that this is not happening, and we ask you to raise this at the Leaders Summit on Climate on April 22 and 23. We believe that it is now time that governments submit their plans for this decade and how they would propose achieving a 7.6% annual reduction in emissions .

A critical aspect of an annual reduction plan, would be that it ensures a just transition . As you know, governments and other agencies need to guarantee the idea of a fair and inclusive energy transition that leaves no one behind and considers communities that will bear the worst impact from decarbonization. Programs to re-skill employees and provide professional training that offer new opportunities are essential.

We must also learn the essential lessons from this Covid pandemic. Scientists had warned for years that a pandemic like this was likely yet we were unprepared. Most importantly, we must listen to the science. A recent French study that has surveyed Nations’ responses to Covid19, concluded that those taking an aggressive “0-Covid approach” fared better than others by both health and economic measures. Our global community will clearly benefit from moving toward net-zero emissions in a proactive and timely manner. This will best safeguard our health as well as economic prosperity, as we move forward in this century. Failure to do so will be catastrophic.

As you have said, failing to address the threats of climate change is “marching forward to what is almost tantamount to a mutual suicide pact.” Climate Change represents an existential threat to humanity. For our children and grandchildren, it’s time we get serious about yearly reduction goals.

Finally, we also support the recent calls for a Climate Club, consisting of the United States, China, and the European Union to come together and agree on emissions targets as well as a carbon tax on imports. That would incentivize all nations to cut emissions.

Thank you again for all of your efforts on behalf of children and families around the globe.