UN chief calls for urgent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions
Summary
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged urgent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, warning that current climate pledges could still leave global temperatures on track to rise more than 2.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. He called for stronger climate finance, a fair transition away from fossil fuels, and greater support for vulnerable countries facing worsening climate impacts.
Key Points
- Antonio Guterres called for annual emissions cuts of around six percent in the coming years to limit warming above 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- He warned that current Nationally Determined Contributions could still result in global temperatures rising by more than 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2100.
- Guterres urged developed countries to fulfill climate finance commitments and boost support for adaptation and loss-and-damage needs in vulnerable nations.
- He said climate change is tied to peace, development, human rights and social justice, and stressed a rapid transition away from fossil fuels.
