The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, addressed a meeting of the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) in Zürich, Switzerland, on 13 June 2023. Guterres reiterated the role of cement as ‘fundamental to building a better world.’ He called on GCCA members to realise the association’s 2050 Net Zero Roadmap in order to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5°C.
Guterres said “Science tells us that requires cutting global greenhouse emissions by almost half by 2030. That means taking a quantum leap in climate action – and slashing global emissions. Starting now.”
GCCA Thomas Guillot said “We applaud all the action our members are taking to implement carbon-cutting measures, and the latest data show emissions are coming down. But many challenges remain, which we must overcome, if we are to achieve net zero, including enabling polices and regulations from governments across the world which often don’t yet exist.” He added “I urge every manufacturer across the world who has not yet done so to join our pledge to eliminate emissions by 2050, But I also implore all governments to work with our essential industry, to deliver the policy framework that can create the favourable conditions to unlock the transition.”