Antonio Guterres delivered an impassioned address at the opening of COP28. Source: UNFCCC / Kiara Worth
The Secretary-General of the United Nations gave an impassioned address at the opening of the World Climate Action Summit at COP28 in Dubai.
António Guterres urged leaders of developed nations to rise to the challenges facing smaller, vulnerable, and developing nations in the midst of the rising climate crisis.
He started by thanking President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the hospitality shown so far and COP28 President Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber for the positive start to COP along with the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund.
He went on to discuss the melting ice of Antarctica and Nepal as one of the symptoms “of the sickness bringing our climate to its knees,” stating plainly that it is a sickness only global leaders can cure.
Pointing towards a growing list of problems, “record emissions, ferocious fires, deadly droughts, and the hottest year ever,” Guterres said “we are miles from the goals of the Paris Agreement – and minutes to midnight for the 1.5-degree limit.”
In his address, Guterres stated the success of COP28 depends on the Global Stocktake prescribing a credible cure in three areas: drastic reduction of emissions, completely ending the use of fossil fuels, and action on “long overdue” climate justice.
Speaking directly to fossil fuel industry leaders, Guterres implored them not to double down on an “obsolete business model” and to lead the transition to renewables.
“Make no mistake – the road to climate sustainability is also the only viable pathway to economic sustainability of your companies.”
With developing nations shouldering the burden of climate change and climate change inaction, Guterres says the Global Stocktake “must commit to a surge in finance, including for adaption and loss and damage,” supported by reform of multilateral development banks to leverage “far more private finance at reasonable costs.”
“Developed countries must show how they will double adaptation finance to $40 billion a year by 2025 – as promised – and clarify how they deliver on the $100 billion – as promised.”
In his closing remarks, Guterres said simply: “Excellencies, the climate challenge is not just another issue in your inbox. Protecting our climate is the world’s greatest test of leadership.”
“I urge you to lead. Humanity’s fate hangs in the balance. Make this COP count.”
You can read the Secretary-General’s remarks as delivered, here.
