United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning, declaring that our planet is minutes from the 1.5-degree Celcius temperature limit, emphasising the urgent need for decisive action. Guterres passionately urged world leaders to embrace the proposed Climate Solidarity Pact, emphasising the critical role it could play in averting climate catastrophe.
“Our planet is minutes to midnight for the 1.5° limits, and the clock keeps ticking. COP28 is scheduled to wrap up tomorrow, but there are still large gaps that need to be bridged,” he told reporters on the sidelines of COP28 and broadcast live.
As COP28 enters its final day, Guterres called for maximum ambition and flexibility in negotiations, urging ministers and negotiators to transcend entrenched positions and blocking tactics. He stressed the need to bridge significant gaps and rise to the challenge set by COP28 President Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, emphasising that now is the time for a concerted effort to tackle the global climate crisis.
At the heart of Guterres’ address was the proposal for a Climate Solidarity Pact, a visionary initiative calling on major emitters to intensify efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, wealthier nations support emerging economies in their sustainable endeavours.
Guterres emphasised the critical importance of ambitious goals in two key areas: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering climate justice. As per his proposal, the Global Stocktake should provide a clear plan for tripling renewables, doubling energy efficiency, and addressing the root cause of the crisis: fossil fuel production and consumption.
“It is essential that the Global Stocktake recognises the need to phase out all fossil fuels on a time frame consistent with the 1.5-degree limit and to accelerate the just equitable and orderly energy transition for all”,
“A transition that takes into account the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities in light of national circumstances not to reduce ambition but to combine ambition and equity. That is the reason I propose the Climate Solidarity Pact. in which big emitters make extra efforts to cut emissions, and wealthier countries support emerging economies to be able to do so,” he said.
Recognising the diverse needs of developing countries, especially those heavily dependent on fossil fuel production, Guterres stressed the importance of a just and orderly energy transition. The proposed pact ensures that timelines and targets consider different levels of development but remain consistent with the global net-zero target and the 1.5-degree limit.
Guterres urged developed nations to fulfil financial commitments transparently, meeting the needs of developing countries grappling with debt and climate chaos. He welcomed the initial steps at COP28, including operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund and replenishing the Green Climate Fund. Still, he urged for more significant efforts and reform in the business model of multilateral development banks.
With an eye on the next two years, Guterres called for a new global climate finance goal beyond 2025 and urged governments to present comprehensive, economy-wide national climate action plans or nationally determined contributions (NDCs) aligned with the 1.5-degree temperature limits.
As the COP28 summit hurtles towards its conclusion, Guterres delivered a clear message: the world must leave Dubai with a decisive and ambitious outcome, demonstrating a credible plan to preserve the 1.5-degree goal and protect those on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The global community now faces a momentous choice — to act decisively and preserve the planet or face the irreversible consequences of inaction. (nsh)
