Today: 11 March 2025
28 July 2023
2 mins read

G20 must step up for climate action, says Guterres

“Climate change is here,” he said as the message was brought home to the UN headquarters by New York declaring an extreme heat advisory for the city…reports Arul Louis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday appealed to G20 leaders who will meet at a summit in New Delhi to act urgently on climate change because its outcome will impact further efforts.

Calling the September summit headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “critical opportunity”, he said: “Particularly G20 countries — responsible for 80 per cent of global emissions – must step up for climate action and climate justice.”

The success of the UN climate change meeting known as the Conference of Parties (COP) in December in Dubai will depend on the outcome of the G20 meeting, he said while speaking to reporters.

“The G20’s success is a basic precondition for the success of the COP, because nobody else can compensate if those members of the G20 do not seriously engage in a dramatic reduction of that emissions,” he said.

While smaller developing countries like the small island countries are trying to cut emissions of greenhouse gases, “They are not the problem; the problem are developed countries and the emerging economies that meet in the G20”, he said.

“Climate change is here,” he said as the message was brought home to the UN headquarters by New York declaring an extreme heat advisory for the city.

“Extreme weather is becoming the new normal,” he warned.

“All countries must respond and protect their people from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, droughts, and raging fires that result,” he said.

“We must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition” to fight climate change.

India suffered through an extreme heat wave in the past three months with parts of the country hitting 47 degrees Celsius.

While he attributed 80 per cent of the greenhouse emissions collectively to the G20 nations, Guterres also spoke of the differences among countries, which would apply to countries in the group.

“Those countries on the frontlines — who have done the least to cause the crisis and have the least resources to deal with it — must have the support they need to do so,” he said.

“It is time for a global surge in adaptation investment to save millions of lives from climate carnage,” he added. He said that the developed countries should stand by their commitments to give $100 billion a year to help developing countries deal with climate change and noted that only Germany and Canada have contributed their share.

Guterres, who has launched a war on fossil fuels, called for ending financing of projects using them and said investments should be directed to renewable energy projects. “Many banks, investors and other financial actors continue to reward polluters and incentivise wrecking the planet,” he said.

ALSO READ-UNFCCC, COP28 urge G20 to take lead in climate change mitigation

Previous Story

UNFCCC, COP28 urge G20 to take lead in climate change mitigation

Next Story

Tech firms form body to ensure safe development of AI models

Latest from -Top News

MBS Hosts Zelensky in Jeddah

Zelensky arrived in the Saudi coastal city earlier on Monday, ahead of US-Ukraine talks….reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Jeddah on Monday

South Africa to host Zelenskyy in April

South Africa has adopted a neutral position in the war and has attempted to act as a mediator between the sides, although with limited success Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit South

Hezbollah Draws the Line

Hezbollah top official emphasised Hezbollah’s continued role in political and military affairs, asserting that “resistance” will persist as long as Israeli threats remain Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem reiterated the group’s unwavering

Syrian Violence Claims More Lives

The death toll crosses 1000 as troops loyal to the old regime clash with the new government forces The Arab League (AL) has been following with great concern the security situation in
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UN’s Programme on HIV/AIDS welcomes India as member

He also stated that India’s expertise in the field of

Palestinian UN envoy calls for pause to become ‘end’ to war

“Hundreds of Palestinian children will not be killed thanks to