NUSA DUA (dpa-AFX) – With an urgent warning of global warming, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a climate solidarity pact between rich industrialized nations and emerging countries. Speaking at the Group of Great Economic Powers (G20) summit on the Indonesian island of Bali, Guterres warned that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is slipping.
“We are dangerously close to transition points where climate chaos could become irreversible.” If global warming goes beyond that limit, science teaches, “it poses an existential threat to all life on Earth,” Guterres said. But global emissions and temperatures continued to rise.
The climate solidarity pact he proposes should combine the capabilities and resources of developed and emerging countries. It is up to the G20 heads of state and government whether this historic pact is reached or not. “We need a new approach.” The G20 countries are responsible for 80 percent of global emissions.
Rich countries and international financial institutions could provide financial and technological support and help emerging economies accelerate the transition to renewable energy. “The climate solidarity pact can save lives, livelihoods and our planet.” He could also help to end dependence on fossil fuels.
The world is facing the “most important and most dangerous moment in generations,” Guterres said. Everywhere, people from all directions are being hit by “running climate change” and “squeezed out” by the rising cost of living crisis,” Guterres said. Geopolitical tensions triggered new conflicts and made it difficult to resolve old disputes./lw/DP/jha