Merkel calls for 2020s to be a decade of sustainability

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called for a "decade of sustainability" in the battle against climate change during a conference on Tuesday.

Merkel, along with European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans, addressed the 20th annual conference of the German Council for Sustainable Development, a virtual meeting focusing on climate neutrality and how Germany and Europe can become climate neutral in a socially just and economically efficient way.

During the meeting the Chancellor called for more action as the current generation was "living globally at the expense of younger and future generations."

"What we have been doing so far is simply not enough," Merkel added.

Timmermans underlined the need for fast action ahead of the UN climate conference in Glasgow at the end of year.

"Accelerating environmental and digital transformation is the foundation for economic recovery", Timmermans said.

"Glasgow is not the end of the road. Commitments made must be met, any remaining gap in targets must be closed if there is still room for more," he added.