Dubai, 11 December 2023 (TDI): UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong call for a global agreement on the phaseout of fossil fuels at the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
Addressing negotiators, Guterres underscored the critical need for a comprehensive plan to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius warming goal alive.
He stressed the importance of protecting communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis and ensuring a just and fair transition to a clean energy future.
“We cannot keep kicking the can down the road,” Guterres declared. “This conference must deliver an ambitious outcome that demonstrates a collective commitment to tackling the climate crisis.”
With the conference nearing its conclusion, Guterres emphasized the urgency of decisive action, stating, “Now is the time for maximum ambition and maximum flexibility.”
Guterres’ statement comes amid growing pressure on world leaders to address the ongoing climate emergency. With global emissions at record highs, the need for swift and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions has become increasingly evident.
While significant challenges remain, a number of countries have already begun implementing ambitious policies to transition away from fossil fuels.
The recent announcements by Colombia, Palau, and Samoa calling for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty further highlight the growing international momentum for decisive action.
As COP28 enters its final days, all eyes are on negotiators to reach an agreement that meets the scale and urgency of the climate crisis.
The world awaits a clear signal from leaders across the globe: a commitment to a future powered by clean energy and a planet protected for generations to come.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautiously welcomed the emerging consensus on a new global framework for adaptation finance at the ongoing COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
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However, he forcefully cautioned that any framework without guaranteed funding would be ineffective, stating, “A framework without the means of implementation is like a car without wheels.”
Guterres emphasized the need for a significant increase in adaptation finance, urging developed countries to fulfill their commitment to doubling adaptation funding to $40 billion by 2025.
He further stressed that this represents only an initial step, and ultimately, half of all climate finance should be directed towards adaptation efforts.
