UN chief calls on G20 leaders to take action to prevent climate crisis from spiraling out of control
The top UN chief urged world leaders to work to minimize global warming and criticized the lack of ambition and urgency in tackling the crisis.
Speaking in New Delhi, home of the G20 summit this weekend, Mr Guterres said: “The climate crisis is worsening dramatically, but the collective response lacks ambition, credibility and urgency.”
He called on the G20 to commit to maintaining the “1.5 degree target” – referring to the 2015 Paris Agreement target of keeping average global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels limit and aim for 1.5 degrees.
“I have proposed a climate solidarity pact in which major emitters make extra efforts to cut emissions; and wealthier countries are helping emerging economies achieve this,” he said.
The plan pushes developed countries to get as close to net zero as possible by 2040 and emerging countries as close as possible to 2050.
It also proposes a phase-out of coal by 2030 in developed countries and by 2040 in all others.
“The climate crisis is spiraling out of control. But the G20 countries are in control,” he said.
“Together, the G20 countries are responsible for 80 percent of global emissions. Half-measures will not prevent full climate breakdown.”
When asked separately about the war in Ukraine, he said: “I am not very confident that we will find a peaceful solution in the near future. I believe that the two parties still decide to continue the conflict.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends the summit where he said he wanted to “put pressure on Moscow” amid global concerns over the grain blockade from Ukraine.
“One of my priorities here is to highlight the impact of the Russian war on millions of vulnerable people around the world. And that is the impact of food prices,” Mr Sunak said.
He condemned Russia’s decision in July to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed ships carrying grain to leave southern Ukrainian ports without fear of attack.
The Kremlin said the deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations will not be restored until the west meets Moscow’s demands on its own agricultural exports.
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/un-antonio-guterres-g20-summit-climate-crisis-new-delhi-india-b1105922.html UN chief calls on G20 leaders to take action to prevent climate crisis from spiraling out of control
