By Haruna Gimba
The United Nations has lamented that the world is now experiencing an unbearable global boiling, which has made “the air unbreathable, and the heat unbearable.”
Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres declared that the era of global warming had ended, stressing that climate change is terrifying the world.
Guterres, in his opening remarks at a press conference held on climate, said the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable.
He stressed that there is a need for dramatic and immediate climate action.
“Today, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Change Service are releasing official data that confirms that July 2023 is set to be the hottest month ever recorded in human history.
“We don’t have to wait for the end of the month to know this. Short of a mini-Ice Age over the next few days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board.
“According to the data released today (Thursday), July has already seen the hottest three-week period ever recorded; the three hottest days on record; and the highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year.
“The consequences are clear and they are tragic: children swept away by monsoon rains; families running from the flames; workers collapsing in scorching heat.
“For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe – it is a cruel summer.
For the entire planet, it is a disaster. And for scientists, it is unequivocal humans are to blame,” he said.
Guterres, however, submitted that all actors must come together to accelerate a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewables.
According to him, developed countries must commit to reach net zero emissions as close as possible to 2040, and emerging economies for 2050, and with support from developed countries to do so.
He insisted that countries across the globe must stop oil and gas expansion, adding, “Credible plans must also be presented to exit coal by 2030 for OECD countries and 2040 for the rest of the world.
“Ambitious renewable energy goals must be in line with the 1.5-degree limit. And we must reach net zero electricity by 2035 in developed countries and 2040 elsewhere, as we work to bring affordable electricity to everyone on earth.
“We also need action from leaders beyond governments. I urge companies as well as cities, regions, and financial institutions to come to the Climate Ambition Summit with credible transition plans that are fully aligned with the United Nations net-zero standards, presented by our High-Level Expert Group.”
The UN secretary general also urged financial institutions to end their fossil fuel lending, underwriting and investments, and shift to renewables instead.
He said, “And fossil fuel companies must chart their move towards clean energy, with detailed transition plans across the entire value chain.
“No more greenwashing. No more deception. And no more abusive distortion of anti-trust laws to sabotage net zero alliances.
“All countries must respond and protect their people from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, droughts, and raging fires that result.
“Those countries on the frontlines who have done the least to cause the crisis and have the least resources to deal with it must have the support they need to do so.
“It is time for a global surge in adaptation investment to save millions of lives from climate.”
