Belem – At the World Climate Conference in Brazil, UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued an urgent appeal to some 200 countries: Approach the final stages of negotiations with courage and a willingness to compromise. “Leadership is needed now. Be brave. Follow scientific findings. Put human interests above profits,” the Portuguese said on Thursday in Belém.
The 1.5 degree target of the Paris Agreement ten years ago was “the only red line”. Surprisingly, the UN Secretary General clearly supported the main demand of developing countries: financial assistance for adaptation to global warming must be tripled by 2030. This is “inevitable”.
Guterres called for a shift away from oil, gas and coal
The UN Secretary General also welcomed the “growing coalition” of countries calling for clarity on the shift away from oil, gas and coal at the UN meeting. This is a “climate policy necessity.” Germany and more than 80 other countries are firmly committed to this – a key point of debate at COP30, which is scheduled to end on Friday evening at 10 p.m. CET.
Asked what message he would convey to the US President Donald Trump whose delegation was missing from Belem, the UN Secretary General said: “We are waiting for you.”
Fatal heating warning
Guterres again warned: Even if all national climate protection plans are implemented, the world will experience warming of more than two degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. Time to. “This is a death sentence for many people. This national plan must be a floor, not a ceiling.”
He also firmly supported hosts Brazil’s main concern: better protection forest around the world. “It is critical to stop and reverse deforestation by 2030 – so Natural remain a protective shield and not become a victim.”
