News Center- UN Secretary General António Guterres held a press conference in New York on Thursday.

‘The era of global boiling has arrived’

“Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning. The era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived,” António Guterres said after scientists confirmed on Thursday that July was on track to be the world’s hottest month on record.”

‘There is simply no more time’

António Guterres urged politicians to take swift action and said, “The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable. Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy, no more excuses, no more waiting for others to move first. There is simply no more time for that.”

At the conference, he highlighted the need for new national emissions targets from G20 members and urged all countries to push to reach net zero emissions by mid-century. He said all actors must unite to accelerate the just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, while stopping oil and gas expansion and phasing out coal by 2040. “Action from companies, cities, regions, financial institutions and fossil fuel companies is also critical. No more greenwashing.  No more deception.  And no more abusive distortion of anti-trust laws to sabotage net zero alliances” he said.

With extreme weather “becoming the new normal”, he appealed for “a global surge in adaptation investment” to save millions from the impacts of climate change, particularly in developing countries. He said developed countries must present a clear and credible roadmap to double adaptation finance by 2025. Furthermore, all governments should implement a UN action plan aimed at ensuring everyone on the planet is protected by early warning systems by 2027.