Last week in his inaugural COP27 address in Egypt, UN Secretary General António Guterres said the world is “on a highway to climate hell with its foot on the accelerator.” Guterres today launched a new heartfelt appeal to world leaders gathered in Bali, Indonesia, for the G20 summit, urging them to accelerate climate action as, he explained, “we are dangerously close” to the point of no return. Guterres also called for greater cooperation on food safety and a “responsible” digital transformation.
“Our world is facing the most crucial and precarious moment in generations. People around the world are being hit on all sides, hit by unstoppable climate change and crushed by a cost-of-living crisis. Geopolitical divisions trigger new conflicts and make the old ones even more difficult to resolve – it was the beginning of the UN Secretary General’s speech – The G20 is the starting point for bridging divisions and finding answers to these and other crises. First, the climate, the challenge most important of our time “.
The summit
Climate, a challenge between the South and the North of the world. Guterres: “Without an agreement it is suicide”
by Giacomo Talignani
“I have just returned from the COP27 summit in Sharm el-Sheikh – he said – The goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees is receding. We are dangerously close to turning points where climate chaos could become irreversible. Science tells us that global warming beyond this limit poses an existential threat to all life on Earth. But global emissions and temperatures continue to rise. I agree that insanity is always doing the same what and to expect a different result “.
“We need a new approach – continued Guterres – This is why I have proposed a historic pact between developed and emerging economies: a pact of solidarity for the climate that unites the capacities and resources of developed and emerging economies for the benefit of all. G20 countries are responsible for 80% of global emissions. G20 leaders can make or break the Climate Solidarity Pact. Under this pact, they will have to make extra efforts this decade to keep the 1.5 limit. Wealthier countries and international financial institutions would provide technical and financial assistance to help emerging economies accelerate the transition to renewable energy. The Climate Solidarity Pact can save lives, livelihoods and our planet. It can to help end dependence on fossil fuels and provide universal, accessible and sustainable energy for all “.
The UN secretary then said: “The Sustainable Development Goals are launching an SOS. Developing countries cannot access the funding needed to reduce poverty and hunger and invest in sustainable development. I therefore urge the G20 economies to adopt a stimulus package for the Goals that provides governments in the global South with investment and liquidity and offers debt relief and restructuring. This will allow emerging economies to invest in health, education, gender equality and renewable energies. To invest in their peoples and to save the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development. The stimulus to the Goals is a minimum and necessary step to alleviate food and energy crises and prevent further suffering and difficulties “.
The interview
“If this climate crisis continues we will not have the resources to help everyone”
by Giacomo Talignani
Also important is the new reminder of the responsibilities of the richest countries: “The G20 countries, as the most powerful economies in the world, with a majority on the boards of multilateral development banks, can and must do so. My speeches at this Summit they will focus on the food and energy crises and the digital transformation of our economies and societies. Regarding food, my message is that we need urgent action to prevent famine and hunger in an increasing number of places around the world “
“Today, as we welcome the eight billionth member of our growing human family, we must think about the future. – concluded Guterres – By 2050, the world population will approach ten billion. The action – or inaction – of the G20 will determine whether every member of our human family will have the opportunity to live sustainably and peacefully on a healthy planet. ”
