UN urges swift action for global decarbonisation

In a pivotal moment at COP 28, UN Secretary-General Anthony Guterres on Monday called for the world to set its highest ambition for decarbonisation, aiming to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees.

Guterres emphasised the critical role of compromise, particularly among developed nations, as the climate conference reached its final stages.

Addressing the delegates, he stressed the urgency of deciding on strategies to cap planet-warming emissions and avert the most severe impacts of climate change.

He urged negotiators to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate justice, emphasising the need for good-faith negotiations to meet the challenge at hand.

The UN Secretary-General highlighted the importance of the global stocktake, urging a phased-out approach to fossil fuels for the world to achieve its temperature goals.

He expressed concern about the limited time available, stating, "We can't keep kicking the can down the road; we are out of road and almost out of time."

Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, underscored the urgency in the final stretch of negotiations, urging negotiators in Dubai to start a new chapter that delivers tangible benefits for both people and the planet.

According to Stiell, the highest climate ambition not only aligns with environmental goals but also promises more jobs, stronger economies, economic growth, less pollution, better health, and increased resilience for people worldwide.

He emphasised the necessity of a renewable energy revolution to secure affordable and safe energy for all.

Finance emerged as a crucial factor, described as the bedrock to scale up climate action.

Stiell outlined two key issues for discussion: the level of ambition on mitigation and the commitment to providing the necessary support for the transition.

Negotiators were urged to clear tactical blockades, reject incrementalism, respect each party's seat at the table, and keep highest ambition outcomes at the forefront.

Stiell emphasised that meaningful deals require avoiding strategic landmines and the global stocktake playing a unifying role for all countries.

In the final quarter, negotiators were reminded that achieving the highest ambition outcomes was essential for all governments to leave Dubai with a victory.

The speeches of UN top delegates were delivered with a stark warning against a 'win-lose' approach, highlighting that collective failure jeopardises the security of 8.0 billion people.

As the delegates awaited a new draft of the global stocktake, the report underscored the need for swift and decisive action to address the pressing challenges of climate change.

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