NEW YORK — Climate campaigner Lidy Nacpil made history as the only Filipino and civil society leader to speak at the UN Climate Ambition Summit here on Sept. 20 where she called on world governments "to take decisive bold actions for a rapid, equitable transition out of fossil fuels directly to renewable energy systems," undertake "an international treaty for the non-proliferation of fossil fuels" and move for "a global phaseout with clear timelines."

"The current commitments are nowhere near enough - we need new commitments and agreements., including an international treaty for the non-proliferation of fossil fuels and a global phaseout with clear timelines and fair sharing of actions to reach real zero (emissions) by 2050," Nacpil said in her three-minute speech where she represented the regional alliance Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development as its coordinator.

She noted that transitioning out of fossil fuels directly to renewable energy must be made "with no loopholes, no exceptions, no false solutions that merely extend the life of fossil fuels and serve as an excuse to continue emitting greenhouse gases."

Nacpil called on wealthy countries to meet their "full obligations to deliver climate finance." She deemed this necessary "for equity and fair sharing of efforts in the energy transition, without which this transition will not succeed."

"We, the people of the Global South, are not asking for aid or assistance. Climate finance is an obligation and part of reparations for historical and continuing injustices. We have a right, not just to survive, but also to build a better home and future for our children."

"The climate crisis has already claimed millions of lives, wreaked devastating impacts on our health, livelihoods, food and water statements, caused trillions of dollars in damages to crops, homes and infrastructure, and triggered horrifying disasters such as super typhoons, unprecedented droughts and raging wildfires. How much more pain, loss, and suffering will it take for governments and corporations to do the necessary?," Nacpil pointed out.

"We urge governments to meet their duties and obligations to their people , to all of humanity. We especially call on the governments of the wealthiest countries, who bear the biggest responsibilities for the climate crisis, whose commitments are the farthest away from their fair share of climate actions, and yet are fond of presenting themselves as climate champions," she stated.

"The fair shares of these wealthiest countries include meeting their full obligations to deliver Climate Finance. Climate Finance is so absolutely vital not only for adaptation, building resilience, and covering loss and damage," Nacpil added.

The Climate Ambition Summit convened by the UN Secretary General at the UN Headquarters showcased leaders from government, business, finance, local authorities, and civil society who are the "first movers and doers" in abating the climate crisis through their credible actions, policies and plans.

There were 34 world leaders who were invited to speak during the summit's morning session. Aside from Nacpil, six representatives from non-member states and international financial institutions were allowed to deliver their remarks. These include reps from global financial services provider Allianz the Green Climate Fund, International Monetary Fund, London , the State of California and the World Bank.

As a result of the Summit, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres outlined an "Acceleration Agenda" to address the ""horrendous effects of climate change," including an end to fossil fuel subsidies around the globe.