UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a stark warning at the Belém Climate Summit in Brazil, emphasizing that the world has failed to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Guterres stressed that current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) fall short, putting the world on a path toward 2 degrees of warming, with severe consequences, including irreversible ecosystem damage, increased hunger, displacement, and loss of life.
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The hard truth is that we have failed to ensure we remain below 1.5 degrees. Every fraction of a degree means more hunger, displacement, and loss – especially for those least responsible. This is moral failure – and deadly negligence.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Guterres urged countries to accelerate action, citing the urgent need for a paradigm shift. He emphasized the importance of justice, equity, and Indigenous Peoples’ participation in the climate transition, urging leaders to stand with science, justice, and future generations.
We have never been better equipped to fight back. A clean energy revolution has taken hold. Solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of power – and the fastest growing sources of electricity in history.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
The Secretary-General’s remarks highlighted the critical state of the climate crisis, with rising emissions, record-breaking wildfires, and devastating floods. He stressed that the window for action is narrowing, and immediate, collective efforts are necessary to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
Guterres’ speech underscored the need for global cooperation, solidarity, and decisive action to address the climate emergency, ensuring a livable future for all.
