UN Secretary General António Guterres (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

The UN chief called on all countries to pledge to stop pumping carbon dioxide - the main greenhouse gas - into the atmosphere by 2050. He proposed a six-point plan to ensure that climate change features prominently in pandemic recovery efforts. The plan includes ending fossil fuel subsidies and making sure that polluters pay for the damage they cause.

The UN chief urged the EU to exhibit global leadership by presenting updated emissions reduction plans by the end of the year that will put Europe on course to become the first climate neutral continent by 2050.