ISTANBUL: The United Nations chief, Antonio Guterres, issued a dire warning on Friday (Saturday in Manila) about the catastrophic effects of climate change, emphasizing that “humanity’s fate hangs in the balance.”
Guterres delivered this urgent message to world leaders attending the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, stating that protecting the climate is the greatest test of leadership for the entire world. He called on these leaders to take decisive action and lead the global efforts to combat climate change.
“The climate challenge is not just another issue in your inbox. Protecting our climate is the world’s greatest test of leadership. I urge you to lead,” Guterres emphasized.
The UN Secretary-General also expressed his hope that the conference would bring new optimism and serve as a turning point in the fight against climate change. “Make this COP a new hope for the future,” he urged the world leaders in attendance.
Guterres highlighted the urgent need for leadership, cooperation, and political will to prevent a planetary catastrophe. He stressed that developing countries, which are disproportionately affected by climate change, face significant obstacles in implementing climate action plans due to high borrowing costs and insufficient support from wealthier nations.
Referring to the current state of the planet, Guterres warned that “Earth’s vital signs are failing.” He cited record emissions, devastating wildfires, deadly droughts, and the hottest year ever as clear indicators that the world is far from achieving the goals set in the Paris Agreement. The Secretary-General emphasized that time is running out to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, a critical target agreed upon during the COP26 summit in 2021.
Sharing his recent experiences, Guterres recounted his visits to Antarctica and Nepal, two distant locations that share a common crisis. He described witnessing the melting ice in Antarctica and the disappearing glaciers in Nepal, both of which contribute to rising sea levels, landslides, and floods around the world. These alarming changes in the Earth’s climate are just one symptom of a larger problem that threatens our planet.
Guterres also highlighted the societal and political ramifications of climate change. He drew attention to the conflicts and suffering caused by climate-induced crises, emphasizing the need to address the injustice exacerbating these conflicts. With reference to the ongoing aggression in Gaza, he underscored how climate chaos intensifies existing issues.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Guterres stressed the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources. He emphasized that renewables are now more accessible and affordable than ever before. Not only do they benefit the environment, but they also meet the growing energy demand, provide affordable electricity to millions of people, stabilize markets, and save money.
Furthermore, Guterres called upon developed countries, particularly the G20 nations, to take the lead in driving positive changes in the fight against climate change. He warned that current policies would result in a devastating three-degree temperature rise and urged the G20, which accounts for 80 percent of global emissions, to set clear expectations for economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that cover all greenhouse gases and align with the 1.5-degree limit.
In conclusion, the United Nations chief’s address at the COP28 climate summit emphasized the urgent need for global leadership and cooperation to address the catastrophic effects of climate change. With time running out, he called on world leaders to take immediate action, transition to renewable energy, and ensure that NDCs align with the 1.5-degree target. The fate of humanity and the planet hangs in the balance, and the world must act now to avert the worst consequences of climate change.
Source: The Manila Times
