The UN Secretary General said that this century could be the last in the history of mankind due to the ongoing global warming.
"If we do not act now, this century may be the last century for humanity," he warned, speaking to the participants of the forum, which is held under the auspices of the international climate initiative TED Countdown.
Antonio Guterres recalled that, according to scientists, it is necessary to keep the increase in global temperature at the level of one and a half degrees Celsius. Despite the recommendations of climatologists, this task is currently not being performed.
"Billions of people around the world are already suffering from our inaction," said the UN Secretary General. - Due to entrenched dependence on fossil fuels, we are marking time. Global climate change is causing unprecedented forest fires, intense and frequent cyclones, floods, droughts and other extreme weather events.
According to Antonio Guterres, no country in the world is immune from the climate crisis. In addition, in each state, the poorest and most vulnerable segments of the population suffer the most, who are least of all involved in the emergence of the problem of climate change.
“In the past 25 years, the richest 10 percent of the world's population has accounted for more than half of the carbon emissions in the atmosphere, while the poorest 50 percent have accounted for just seven percent. We can still build a safer, more just and sustainable world, but we need to act quickly, ”said the UN head.
Antonio Guterres called on governments and the entire international community to adopt a simple plan based on the following principles:
- prioritized investment in green jobs;
- no support for polluting industries;
- the end of subsidies to enterprises that are engaged in the extraction and processing of fossil fuels;
- taking climate risks into account when making any financial and political decisions;
- global cooperation in a spirit of mutual assistance and solidarity.
- helping states that find themselves lagging behind in the fight for a healthy climate on the planet.
This action plan is already adhered to by thousands of companies, cities, regions, universities and private investors who have pledged to reduce [greenhouse gas] emissions into the atmosphere by 2050, ”said Antonio Guterres. - I am grateful to those who have already joined our movement. To the rest, I want to say once again that we can win this battle only together. ”
