UN chief calls for unified action at COP28 to combat climate crisis

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on the COP28 participants to work together to protect all communities from the climate crisis.

"Year by year, the world’s commitment to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is slipping away. And we are speeding towards a 3-degree temperature rise, and showing yet no signs of slowing down," Guterres said at the Local Climate Action Summit in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai.

"At the same time developing countries are left without the support they need to adapt to the carnage around them and make the leap to a renewable future. Now at COP28, the world must hit the brakes," said Guterres.

Keeping 1.5 degrees within reach means breaking the addiction to fossil fuels, making a fair, just and equitable shift to renewables, and delivering climate justice, he added.

"Fossil fuels represent the past. Renewables represent the future," Guterres said, adding the world needs to commit to a clear time frame to phase out fossil fuels aligned with 1.5 degrees.

"The COP28 Global Stocktake must also result in commitments that will lead to tripling renewables, doubling energy efficiency, and bringing clean energy to all by 2030," he said.

He asked local leaders to lead the way by investing in public transportation infrastructure fueled by renewables, and prioritizing clean air and jobs in the green economy.

"Let’s stand as one — and work as one — to protect all communities from the climate crisis, and spur the renewable, sustainable and equitable future people and planet deserve," he added.