UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called on nations to increase efforts to tackle climate change before the Cop26 summit in Glasgow this year.
Mr Guterres told the UN that the world was way off the targets outlined in the Paris Agreement, which seek to keep the change in global temperatures to less than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
He also called for coal to be phased out in developed nations by 2030.
Signatories to the Paris Agreement must now present clear and credible plans to achieve net-zero emissions as “words are not enough”.
“This year, the drive to net zero must become the new normal for everyone everywhere, for every country as well as the key sectors such as aviation, shipping industry and agriculture,” Mr Guterres said.
“At the same time, all commitments to net zero must be underpinned by clear and credible plans to achieve them.”
The Cop26 summit is set to be held in Glasgow, Scotland in November.
But Mr Guterres said the usual schedule of meetings would be likely to take place online because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I cannot overestimate the importance of the negotiations in the months ahead,” he said.
“We simply cannot allow the pandemic to keep us from working together on the crucial pathway to Glasgow.
"Although there will be challenges, we must adapt. The stakes are too high to do otherwise. Everyone must be ready to make compromises.”
Alok Sharma, Britain’s Business Secretary and chairman of the Cop26 summit, was also at the Road to Glasgow online meeting.
Mr Sharma demanded greater leadership from international heads of state.
“Last year saw record temperatures, we saw fires raging across the world, we saw storms intensifying," he said.
"In short, our friends, that climate crisis is closing in. This year cannot simply be a repeat of the last.
“We all know what is at stake if we do not work now to secure the right outcomes at Glasgow.
"Let me remind you we have 266 days to go to Cop26. Please let's work together, let's make sure that every one of those days counts.”
More from Sholto Byrnes
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
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Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
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Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
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Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:
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They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.
• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres
Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.
• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.
Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.
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Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
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