The United Nations (UN) chief UN chief Antonio Guterres on Monday warned that the world is “sleepwalking to climate catastrophe” as major economies are allowing an increase in carbon pollution at a time when drastic cuts are needed, reported CGTN Africa.
During the Economist Sustainability Summit in London on Monday, Guterres said the planet-saving goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius is already “on life support.”
He noted that while COP26 had seen positive developments related to issues such as tackling deforestation, cutting methane emissions, and mobilizing private finance, there are still many significant challenges that need immediate attention.
“Keeping 1.5 alive requires a 45% reduction in global emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by mid-century,” he said. “That problem was not solved in Glasgow. In fact, the problem is getting worse.”
Guterres’ reference to 1.5 relates to the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
But even if countries honor newly revised pledges under the Paris Agreement, emissions are still set to rise 14 percent before the decade ends.
Guterres described COVID recovery spending as “scandalously uneven” and a missed opportunity to accelerate the turn towards clean energy.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, he added, could further derail climate action. He warned that countries are scrambling to replace Russian oil, gas, and coal supplies with any available alternative and this may fuel the world’s “mutually assured destruction” through climate change.
The UN chief said the strategy now being pursued by major economies to end fossil fuel imports from Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine could kill hopes of keeping global warming below dangerous levels. He warned that the addiction to fossil fuels is mutually assured destruction.
Guterres suggested that rapid and sustainable energy transition is needed and the phase-out of coal and all other fossil fuels should be boosted.
