COP28: UN Secretary-General calls for urgent action to prevent climate catastrophe
Kyiv • UNN
At the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on leaders to end dependence on fossil fuels, warning that humanity is approaching a climate crisis. He called for reducing emissions, switching to renewable energy sources and increasing funding for climate programs.
During his speech at the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on world leaders to end their dependence on fossil fuels. This was reported by the UN press service, according to UNN.
Details
The UN Secretary General emphasized that the fate of all mankind now hangs in the balance. In his speech, Guterres recalled his recent visits to Antarctica and Nepal, noting that he had seen with his own eyes the extent of ice melting.
We are far from the goals of the Paris Agreement - and only moments away from the tipping point of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees
Guterres emphasized that the success of the conference in Dubai will depend on the results of the so-called "Global Inventory", during which countries will assess for the first time the progress in curbing global warming.
SEE ALSO: COP28: Delegates agree to launch developing country aid fund
He said the inventory should "prescribe a cure for a sick planet" in three key areas:
- first, a sharp reduction in emissions is needed, as the current situation will lead to a three-degree temperature rise;
- second, the transition to renewable energy sources must be accelerated;
- third, the global community must fulfill its promise of climate justice in the face of inequality. This means increased financing, including adaptation and compensation funding.
In addition, the UN Secretary-General has called on developed countries to double their climate change adaptation funding, bringing it to $40 billion annually by 2025. He also wants them to provide a detailed plan to fulfill their pledge to financially support developing countries.
Appendix
The opening of the Conference was also addressed by King Charles III of Great Britain, who called on the global community to protect the planet. The monarch mentioned the effects of climate change around the world, including devastating floods in India and Pakistan and severe forest fires in the United States, Canada and Greece.
SEE ALSO: COP28 summit kicks off with a call to work together on fossil fuels
If we don't urgently restore nature's economy, based on harmony and balance, our own economy and survival will be threatened
Reminder
The UN Climate Change Conference COP28 has started in the UAE, with the participation of leaders from many countries.
World leaders and heads of state and government, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, will take part in the first days of the two-week negotiations. In total, more than 70,000 delegates are expected.
