The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, says that world leaders ought to fulfil their pledges to phase out fossil fuels.
Guterres delivered the opening remarks at the COP29 World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Tuesday.
At the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai, governments decided to transition away from fossil fuels without entirely “phasing them out”.
Guterres reminded world leaders of their commitment. He emphasised that the most vulnerable countries should not be left to deal with climate extremes.
The UN president stated that the:
“clean energy revolution is here,” and that states must ensure that the transition is equitable and rapid enough to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”
He stated that the new nationally determined contributions (NDCs), due in February 2025, must contain commitments to reduce global fossil fuel output and consumption by 30% by 2030.
He said:
“The sound you hear is the ticking clock. We are in the final countdown to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. And time is not on our side.”
“The rich cause the problem, the poor pay the highest price. Oxfam finds the richest billionaires emit more carbon in an hour and a half than the average person does in a lifetime.
“Unless emissions plummet and adaptation soars, every economy will face far greater fury.
“At COP28, all of you agreed to move away from fossil fuels; to accelerate net zero energy systems, setting milestones to get there; to boost climate adaptation and to align the next round of economy-wide national climate plans with the 1.5 degrees limit. It’s time to deliver.“Last year — for the first time — the amount invested in grids and renewables overtook the amount spent on fossil fuels. Almost everywhere, solar and wind are the cheapest source of new electricity. Doubling down on fossil fuels is absurd.
“I urge you to focus on first, emergency emissions reductions. We must cut global emissions nine percent every year. By 2030, they must fall 43 percent on 2019 levels.
“At this COP, you must agree to rules for fair, effective carbon markets that support that fight. By next COP, you must deliver new national climate action plans.
“They must cover all emissions and the whole economy; advance global goals to triple renewables capacity, double energy efficiency, halt deforestation by 2030, and align energy transition and sustainable development priorities with climate action to attract needed investments.”
Guterres stated that the G20 countries are the greatest emitters and should bear responsibility for leading the way in global environmental cleanup.
He added that finance promises must be followed, and developed countries must double adaptation financing to at least $40 billion per year by 2025.
Guterres said COP29 must “tear down the walls” of climate finance, and polluters must pay.
He added:
“They must bring their technological know-how together — with developed countries supporting emerging economies. Every nation must have the tools and resources for climate action. And the UN will support that effort every step of the way.”
“But ultimately, only you can deliver on national ambition and action. Only you can beat the clock on 1.5 degrees. The gap between adaptation needs and finance could reach up to $359 billion a year by 2030.
“We need countries’ new climate action plans to set out adaptation financing needs. We need every person on earth to be protected by an alert system by 2027.
“We need climate justice, particularly a surge in pledges to the new Loss and Damage Fund, and commitments turning into cash.
“Developing countries must not leave Baku empty-handed. A deal is a must. We need a new finance goal that meets the moment.
“Climate finance is not charity, it’s an investment. Climate action is not optional, it’s imperative. Both are indispensable to a liveable world for all humanity.”