Jakarta – Amid record global heat and growing threats to biodiversity, the United Nations (UN) marked Earth Day 2025 with a clarion call to the world’s major industrialised nations. In his message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised that the G20 group is crucial in accelerating the clean energy transition and financing global environmental conservation.
“Mother Earth is running a fever,” Guterres said in an official statement on Tuesday, 22 April. “Last year was the hottest ever recorded: The final blow in a decade of record heat.”
Guterres mentioned that the spike in global temperatures is not a natural occurrence, but is driven by human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels that produce greenhouse gas emissions.
“We know the symptoms: devastating wildfires, floods and heat. Lives lost and livelihoods shattered,” he said.
The UN notes that through 2024, average global temperatures will jump 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels, approaching the critical 1.5°C threshold set in the Paris Agreement.
Energy transition cannot be delayed
In commemoration of Earth Day, which this year is themed “Our Power, Our Planet,” the UN is encouraging all countries to call for an accelerated transition to renewable energy sources.
“Renewable power is cheaper, healthier, and more secure than fossil fuel alternatives,” said Guterres.
“Getting on the road to recovery is a win-win. … And action on adaptation is critical to creating robust economies and safer communities, now and in the future.”
The spotlight is firmly on the G20 countries, which, despite representing only about 60 per cent of the world’s population, account for more than 75 per cent of global carbon emissions.
“This is a vital chance to seize the benefits of clean power. I urge all countries to take it, with the G20 leading the way,” Guterres said.
He also emphasised the importance of transferring funding and technology from developed to developing countries to accelerate climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
Funding for nature is still minimal
Guterres reminded that the climate agenda often overlooks biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. In fact, the destruction of nature directly impacts food security, water, and human health.
“We also need action to tackle pollution, slam the brakes on biodiversity loss, and deliver the finance countries need to protect our planet,” Guterres exclaimed.
Guterres called on all countries to ensure their NDC targets align with efforts to keep the Earth’s temperature from exceeding 1.5°C.
“Together, let’s get to work and make 2025 the year we restore good health to Mother Earth,” he said. (Hartatik)
Banner photo: UN YouTube channel screenshot
