UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a clarion call to global leaders, urging unwavering momentum in climate action as the world hurtles toward COP30 in Brazil.
Speaking at a high-level climate meeting attended by 17 heads of state and government, including leaders from major economies like China and the European Union, as well as representatives from climate-vulnerable regions and key alliances such as the African Union, ASEAN, CARICOM, and the Alliance of Small Island States, Guterres declared that the world cannot afford to falter in the fight against climate change.
“We don’t have a moment to lose,” he warned, noting that climate catastrophes are wreaking havoc across all regions, exacerbating poverty, displacing communities, and fuelling instability and conflict.
Yet, despite massive headwinds and a multitude of crises, the Secretary-General said he heard a unifying message from world leaders: the momentum must continue and accelerate.
Clean Energy: The Pathway Out of ‘Climate Hell’
Guterres emphasized that the path to a sustainable future lies in renewable energy, which he described as “the economic opportunity of the century.” With the cost of renewables plummeting and the sector booming globally, he asserted that no government or group can halt the clean energy revolution.
“The pathway out of climate hell is paved by renewables,” he declared, highlighting their role in energy sovereignty, job creation, and reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.
He also noted that since the 2015 Paris Agreement, the projected global warming curve has been bent downward from over 4°C to about 2.6°C thanks to collective climate action. But he stressed that “2.6 degrees is still catastrophic,” calling for deeper, faster efforts.
A Two-Front Climate Appeal
Guterres laid out a two-pronged appeal
First, submit stronger national climate plans
Leaders were urged to develop and present bold, economy-wide climate action plans well before COP30. These should aim to align with the 1.5°C goal, cover all greenhouse gases, and chart a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
“These new climate plans,” he said, “should help speed up a just transition and signal to policymakers and investors alike a total commitment to achieving global net-zero by 2050.”
Second, scale up support for developing nations
The Secretary-General called on wealthier nations to drastically increase financial support to climate-vulnerable countries. He highlighted Africa’s glaring energy paradox — holding 60 percent of the world’s best solar potential but attracting only 2 percent of global renewable investment.
To correct such disparities, Guterres pushed for a credible roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries by 2035 and for developed nations to double adaptation financing to at least $40 billion per year by 2025.
He also stressed the urgent need for enhanced contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund and for innovative financing mechanisms to support the global south in dealing with climate impacts.
Full Speed Ahead to COP30
Concluding, Guterres reiterated his belief that “we cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action.” He announced plans for a final high-level climate event in September to maintain pressure and momentum in the lead-up to COP30.
“The world is moving forward full speed ahead,” he said. “Now is the time to turn pledges into progress and ambition into action.”
