Speaking via video link, Secretary General António Guterresemphasize some progress was made at COP 26 last year but pointed to the “huge emissions gap” conceding that “the main problem remains unresolved – it is not even properly addressed”.
“Keeping 1.5 alive requires a 45% reduction in global emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by mid-century.,” he said, highlighting how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine threatens to become a major obstacle to a concerted effort to accelerate climate action.
The chaos turned bad
However, under current national commitments, global emissions will increase by almost 14% over the rest of the decade.
Last year alone, global energy-related CO2 emissions rose 6% “to an all-time high”, said Mr Guterres, as coal emissions rose “to a record high”.
With the planet warming up to 1.2 degrees, and places where climate catastrophes have forced 30 million people from their homes, Mr. Guterres warned.We are sleepwalking in the face of a climate disaster. ”
“In our globally connected world, no country or corporation can be isolated from these levels of chaos.”
No index finger
If we don’t want to “kiss goodbye 1.5 times… we need to go to the source – G20” (Group of leading industrialized nations), said the head of the United Nations.
Noting that developed and emerging G20 economies account for 80% of total global emissions, he draws attention to a heavy reliance on coal but emphasizes that “our planet cannot bear it.” a climate blame game”.
Developed countries must not pressure emerging economies to accelerate their transitions, nor should emerging economies respond by saying, “You exported public activities. Heavy industry uses a lot of carbon for us in exchange for cheaper goods.”
The head of the Foundation said: “We cannot point fingers while the planet is on fire.
‘Cauldron of challenge’
The Secretary-General pointed to “a cauldron of challenges” such as a “disturbingly uneven” COVID recovery, record inflation and the fallout from Russia’s war in Ukraine, which threaten to depress markets food and global energy, “with major impacts on the global climate agenda”.
As major economies pursue a so-called “all on” strategy to replace Russia’s fossil fuels, short-term measures could create a long-term dependence on fossil fuels, he warned. length and close the window 1.5 degrees.
“Countries can become so consumed by an immediate shortage of fossil fuel supplies that they ignore or ignore policies to cut fossil fuel use.”, Mr. Guterres emphasized. “This is madness.”
As reliance on fossil fuels continues to expose the global economy and energy security to geopolitical shocks and crises, “the deadline to cut emissions by 45% is extremely tight.” .
Figure out a solution
From high capital costs to inadequate technical and financial challenges, helping emerging economies transition from coal to renewable energy has encountered many obstacles, he said.
“Developed countries, multilateral development banks, private financial institutions and companies with technical know-how – all need to join forces… To provide support of scale and speed to coal-intensive economies,” he added.
Despite being a “huge challenge”, developed and emerging economies must work together for all G20 countries to reduce emissions.
And while all G20 nations have agreed to stop funding coal abroad, they must now dismantle their own coal infrastructure.
The Secretary-General said that “even the most ambitious action” cannot erase the fact that “the situation is already bad” and in some places irreversible.
“Adaptation and mitigation must be pursued with equal force and urgency… Investment in adaptation needs to expand significantly to keep pace with accelerating impacts,” he said, calling on all donors and technical partners to work with the UN and governments. vulnerable to identify and fund projects and programs.
Finance, finance and finance
The top UN official also pushed for new eligibility systems, simplifying and increasing investment in adaptability and resilience.
Starting with public finance, richer countries must make good on their $100 billion climate financing pledge by 2022 with developing countries – with priority international financial institutions.
Second, he said blended finance requires those institutions to partner with the private sector for joint investment and innovation, to unlock trillions of dollars in transition.
Finally, private finance must invest “much more” in net-zero transition and climate adaptation for emerging economies.
“It’s the right thing to do – and the profitable thing to do,” he argued.
Keep 1.5 alive
Instead of “braking” the decarbonization of the global economy, the Secretary-General urges people to “Set the pedal for metal towards a renewable energy future. ”
He concluded by laying out steps to achieve the 1.5-degree goal, starting with accelerating the removal of coal and fossil fuels; implement a fair and sustainable energy transition; and strengthen national climate plans.
In addition, it is imperative that emerging economies phase out coal urgently; raise climate finance to unlock the trillions needed; decarbonize key sectors – such as shipping, aviation, steel and cement – and protect the most vulnerable by ensuring an equal focus on adaptation.
© Unsplash / Ella Ivanescu
Fossil fuel power plants are among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
