Story: Dennis Ato Keelson, Baku COP29, Azerbaijan
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sounded the alarm on climate change, urging world leaders to take immediate action to prevent catastrophic consequences.
“Our climate is at a breaking point,” Guterres warned. “Unless we limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, spiraling disasters will devastate every economy.”
Guterres emphasised the need for countries to accelerate their near-term emissions cuts, aiming for a 9% reduction every year this decade.
“We must get on track for the 1.5-degree limit,” he stressed. “Current policies would take us over three degrees. That means catastrophe.”
The UN chief also highlighted the importance of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. “The end of the fossil fuel age is inevitable,” he said. “Let’s make sure it doesn’t come too late – and that it comes with justice.”
Guterres praised recent climate commitments from Brazil and the United Kingdom, saying, “Every country’s new plans must align with 1.5 degrees – with unambiguous, absolute emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2035.”
He stated the critical role of the G20 nations, responsible for 80% of global emissions. “So we need you out front,” he urged.
Guterres’ warnings come as the world faces increasing climate-related disasters, from devastating hurricanes to crippling droughts. “We can’t afford to wait,” he urged. “The preservation of the Amazon is a case in point. It would inevitably also make the success of COP30 much more difficult.”
To combat climate disinformation, Guterres announced the launch of the Global Initiative for Information Integrity on Climate Change, in partnership with Brazil and UNESCO.
“I ask you to instruct your ministers and negotiators to make sure they agree on a new ambitious climate finance goal this year,” Guterres appealed to G20 leaders. “Failure is not an option.”