Accelerate climate action and raise ambition, urges UN chief
10 November 2017 – As the impact of climate change worsens around the world, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the global community to redouble efforts to help countries respond to climate shocks,
especially the most vulnerable.
“I am encouraged to see climate action taking hold, at all scales, at all levels, involving an ever-wider coalition of
actors and institutions,” said the Secretary-General, at a press stakeout at the UN Headquarters, in New York.
“But we need to do more,” he underlined.
In his remarks, the UN chief said that he will be travelling to Bonn to participate in the UN Climate Change Conference
(COP23), where, he will urge efforts to accelerate climate action as well as to raise ambition to do more.
“The window of opportunity to meet the 2-degree target may close in 20 years or less – and we may have only five years
to bend the emissions curve towards 1.5 degrees,” he said, noting the need for a further 25 per cent cut in emissions by
2020.
Speaking on the need for bolstering finance, Mr. Guterres called for mobilizing the agreed $100 billion annually for
developing countries, which is crucial to spur action.
He also said that in September 2019, he will convene a Climate Summit to mobilize political and economic energy at the
highest levels.
“I ask world leaders to show courage in combatting entrenched interests; wisdom in investing in the opportunities of the
future; and compassion in caring what kind of world we build for our children,” he said.
“As a former politician myself, I have no doubt that in today's world, this is the path to progress today and a
meaningful legacy for tomorrow.”
Also at the stakeout, the UN chief informed that before Bonn, he will visit the Philippines to attend the UN-ASEAN
(Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit, and after participating at COP23, he will deliver an address at the
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London on counter-terrorism and human rights on Thursday, 16
November.
“As the world responds to modern terrorism, our goal must be to win the fight while upholding our values,” he said.