On July 27, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful and urgent message regarding the critical issue of climate change. He stressed the need for immediate and radical action to confront the unprecedented temperatures experienced in July, declaring that the Earth has entered an alarming “era of global boiling” surpassing the previous phase of warming.
July has already seen:
The hottest three-week period ever recorded.
The three hottest days on record.
The highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year.
It is still possible to avoid the very worst of climate change, but only with dramatic, immediate #ClimateAction.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 27, 2023
Guterres described the severe heat waves sweeping across the Northern Hemisphere as a “cruel summer,” emphasizing that this disaster is affecting the entire planet. He issued a warning that July 2023 is on track to break numerous temperature records, underscoring the urgency of the climate crisis. According to Guterres, the consequences of climate change are no longer a distant concern but a terrifying reality that humanity is currently confronting. He emphasized that the era of global warming has come to an end, ushering in a new phase where the impacts of climate change are severe and immediate.
For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa & Europe – it is a cruel summer.
For the entire planet, it is a disaster.
We can still stop the worst. Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated #ClimateAction.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) July 28, 2023
The UN chief pointed out that the extreme effects of climate change align with scientific predictions and warnings, with the only surprise being the rapidity of these changes. He once again criticized the fossil fuel industry for prioritizing profits over climate action despite the critical situation.
Urging decisive action, Guterres called on world leaders to abandon hesitancy and excuses and take immediate steps to combat the crisis. He stressed the importance of a swift and comprehensive response. Looking ahead to the Climate Ambition Summit scheduled for September, Guterres called on developed countries to commit to achieving carbon neutrality as close to 2040 as possible, while also urging emerging economies to aim for the same goal as close to 2050 as they can.
In the face of the destructive consequences caused by human activities, Guterres emphasized the need to transform despair into action. He called on the world to convert the current “year of burning heat” into a “year of burning ambition,” taking bold and proactive measures to address the climate crisis and prevent the worst potential outcomes.