UN Sec-Gen urges “fast-track” for climate action

By Samuel Ogunsona

The United Nation Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized the urgent need for climate action.

He spoke at the COP29 High-Level Event on “Integrity Matters”.

He warned that efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius are slipping away, and violent weather is inflicting human tragedy and economic destruction worldwide.

Guterres called for a massive global effort to achieve net zero by mid-century, highlighting the crucial role of cities, regions, businesses, and financial institutions. He urged non-state actors to create robust transition plans by COP30, aligning with the UN High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero recommendations.

Guterres stressed that action cannot be optional, and disclosing credible transition plans must be mandatory.

He encouraged businesses and institutions to support governments in achieving a 1.5-aligned future.

He said, “We are racing the clock.

“Violent weather is inflicting human tragedy and economic destruction worldwide. And efforts to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius are slipping away.

“We need a massive global effort to steer our world onto a path to safety; a path to net zero by mid-century. Cities and regions, businesses and financial institutions play a pivotal role.

“Today we will hear about progress in creating net zero commitments in line with the recommendations of the United Nations High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero.”

He further stated, “First, I urge all non-state actors to create robust, accountable transition plans by COP30 next year.

“These must align with the full recommendations of our High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero.

“They must be consistent with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“They must chart a course to net zero by 2050, through milestones in 2025, 2030, 2035, and beyond.

“They must disclose how research and development plans, and renewables investments, align with those targets.

“They must chart a course to fossil fuel phase out – based in the science.

“They must disclose policies on lobbying and policy engagement.

“And they must commit to deep decarbonisation across the entire value chain. And not rely on dubious offsets, including for so-called Scope 3 emissions.

“This is vital. Net zero plans that exclude Scope 3 emissions are incomplete. Now is the time to fast-track, not backtrack; The time for ambition and transparency. Not greenwashing.”

He continued, “Second, we must move from voluntary pledges to mandatory rules. The future of humanity is at stake. Action cannot be optional.

“Disclosing credible transition plans, that align with 1.5 degrees must be mandatory for corporates and financial institutions. That requires governments, regulators and financial authorities working together.

“It requires processes to ensure that plans are scientifically credible, and that they measure, report, and verify emission cuts.

“And I urge businesses, financial institutions, cities, regions and more, to work with governments on their national climate action plans, or NDCs, due by COP30.

“Help governments ensure that they provide policy and regulatory certainty on a 1.5-aligned future. We must make sure that governments facilitate the work of other actors in this regard, and not that they complicate the work of other actors in compliance with the 1.5 aligned future.” Guterres mentioned.