UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the world to set its highest ambition for decarbonisation, aiming to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
He made this statement on Monday during a pivotal moment at COP 28, the climate conference in Dubai which is scheduled to end on Tuesday (December 12).
Guterres emphasised the critical role of compromise among developed nations as the conference reaches 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.
"We can't keep kicking the can down the road," said Guterres. "We are out of road and almost out of time."
He urged negotiators to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving climate justice. He underscored 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.
Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, echoed Guterres' call for swift action.
He 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.
Stiell described the highest climate ambition as not only aligning with environmental goals but also promising more jobs, stronger economies and better health for people worldwide. "The highest climate ambition means more jobs, stronger economies, stronger economic growth, less pollution, better health," said Stiell. "Much more resilience, protecting people in every country from the climate wolves at our doors."
He emphasised the necessity of a renewable energy revolution to secure affordable and safe energy for all.
Finance emerged as a crucial factor in discussions, described as the bedrock to scale up climate action.
Stiell outlined two key issues for discussion: the level of ambition for mitigation and the commitment to providing the necessary support for the transition.
Negotiators were urged to clear tactical blockades and reject incrementalism. They were reminded that achieving the highest ambition outcomes was essential for all governments to leave Dubai with a victory.
Stiell emphasised that meaningful deals require avoiding strategic landmines and the global stocktake playing a unifying role for all countries.
The speech of UN top delegates was 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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