Economy

UN Chief Urges Global Action to Stop Climate Crisis at COP29

RIYADH: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Warns of Dire Consequences of Climate Inaction at COP29

High-Level Event on the Stocktake of “Integrity Matters”

Global leaders gathered at COP29 in Baku to discuss the urgent need for climate action and the challenges ahead.

Racing Against Time

Guterres highlighted the increasing difficulty of limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius amidst extreme weather events.

Global Effort Towards Net-Zero

The secretary-general praised the global effort to achieve net-zero by mid-century but emphasized the need for stronger collaboration across sectors.

Call for Collaboration

Guterres urged businesses, financial institutions, cities, and regions to align with national governments on climate action plans.

Support for Climate Leaders

Guterres commended climate leaders and activists for being on the right side of history but warned that a low-carbon transition must happen on time to avoid catastrophic consequences.

Brazil’s Commitment

Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin reaffirmed the country’s dedication to combating global warming through policies targeting deforestation and promoting renewable energy.

Green Energy Initiatives

Brazil aims to increase the use of biodiesel and ethanol in fuel production, positioning itself as a leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel.

Progress Among G20 Countries

Helena Vines Fiestas highlighted the surge in policies supporting non-state actors in transitioning to net-zero across G20 countries.

Enhancing Transparency

Simon Stiell announced a new initiative to strengthen transparency in environmental action through the redevelopment of the UNFCCC’s Global Climate Action Portal.

State-Level Commitments

Washington State Governor Jay Inslee reassured the audience that state-level commitments to climate action in the US would remain steadfast despite recent political shifts.

Urgency of Net-Zero Plans

Catherine McKenna emphasized the importance of high-integrity net-zero plans in her latest report, urging stakeholders to establish comprehensive transition plans by 2025.

Governmental Regulations Needed

McKenna advocated for stronger governmental regulations to ensure credible climate commitments and promote competitive investments.

Facing Obstacles

Guterres closed with a reminder of the significant obstacles on the path to net-zero goals and the need to combat those hindering progress.