Dubai, 2 December 2023 (WAI): UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the world is “on a one-way ticket to disaster” if quick action is not taken by COP28 and called for a “grand coalition” to address the climate crisis.
The world is struggling to deal with the catastrophic effects of climate change, ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels and biodiversity loss.
This is why the Secretary-General is making such a strong case. At the start of the COP28 Summit, the Secretary-General stated, “The science is precise: to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we must limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
“Global greenhouse gas emissions have increased, stated the Secretary-General. “We are on track for a catastrophic 3-degree increase in temperature,” he said.
He declared, “We need to reach net zero by 2050 and cut emissions by 45% by 2030.” “While this is a difficult task, it is not insurmountable.” A “radical transformation” of the world’s energy systems, economies, and cultures is required, according to Antonio Guterres.
To handle the situation, he demanded that governments, corporations, and civil society form a “grand coalition.”
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“With a firehose of fossil fuels, we cannot save a burning planet,” stated Guterres. “Only if we cease using all fossil fuels will the 1.5-degree limit be achievable. Not cut down. Not lessen. Stage out.
“A fair and impartial shift towards sustainable energy sources is required, with no individual left behind,” he declared. To confront the global catastrophe, he urged international leaders to take up the task and show the required political will.
Following the UN secretary-general’s speech at COP28, governments, corporations, and civil society will convene for a crucial two-week summit to discuss and work together on ambitious goals for climate action. With just a short window of time left to prevent the worst effects of climate change, the stakes are very high.
An International Relations graduate, with a keen interest in diverse areas of IR; diplomacy, global politics & human rights.
