On the 20th local time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged developed countries to fulfill their climate finance commitments during a press conference at the General Assembly. He also called for all parties to demonstrate willingness and flexibility to reach a final agreement that protects people and limits global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Guterres pointed out that negotiations have reached the final stage, and the world is closely watching Belén. Scientific assessments indicate that global warming has temporarily exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius and is almost inevitable, likely occurring as early as the 2030s. This will lead to more severe heatwaves, hunger, disasters, and displacement, increasing the risk of irreversible damage. However, immediate action could still bring the temperature rise back below 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.
He further stated that the current renewable energy revolution has made this possible, with clean energy being cheaper and more abundant than ever before. He urged countries to treat their existing nationally determined contributions as "a starting point rather than a ceiling," to reduce emissions at a faster pace and with greater intensity.
The commitment of developed countries to double adaptation financing is falling short, Guterres warned, urging them to fulfill their pledges and calling for clear, actionable funding pathways to mobilize at least $300 billion annually by 2035, advancing toward the $1.3 trillion annual funding target.
"Now is not the time to discuss the failure of COP30, but to ensure that failure does not occur. I firmly believe that reaching a compromise is possible." He reiterated, "1.5 degrees Celsius is the only red line, and this is the moment to demonstrate leadership."
