Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, has emphasized the critical need for decisive action at the upcoming 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). The conference, scheduled for November in Baku, Azerbaijan, must prioritize climate justice while considering the interests of developing nations, Guterres said in an interview with TASS.
According to Report, Guterres painted a stark picture of our current climate reality.
Each of the last 12 months has been hotter than the previous one, he said, highlighting the alarming trend of rising global temperatures.
The UN chief noted that for the first time, scientists are warning that we may exceed the crucial 1.5-degree Celsius threshold of global warming within the next few years – a situation that, while not irreversible, signals a "dramatic moment in history."
Guterres stressed the importance of addressing climate change through the lens of climate justice. He pointed out that many developing countries, particularly small island nations and African countries, are bearing the brunt of climate change impacts despite contributing little to the problem.
According to Guterres, decisions that reverse the trend of climate change while also responding to the needs of those developing countries experiencing dramatic consequences and in need of resources will be a significant step forward.
The UN chief called on developed nations to fulfill their commitments and contribute more effectively to solving the problems faced by developing countries under the pressure of climate change.