UN chief calls for drastic immediate cuts to fossil fuel emissions

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 19:02 · Archive

UN Secretary-General António Guterres says the world must immediately and drastically cut fossil fuel emissions to avert catastrophic climate change.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for immediate and drastic cuts to fossil fuel emissions at the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey. Speaking on Friday, he said climate change contributes to geopolitical instability by driving hunger, displacement, debt and competition for land and water.

Guterres stressed that climate change is central to UN work because "you cannot build peace on a burning planet" and "you cannot eradicate poverty when climate disasters keep throwing people back into it". He urged world leaders to "follow the science" and face hard facts about the crisis.

World leaders meeting at the summit are attempting to reach consensus on concrete actions to address climate change, which is fueling more intense and deadly heat waves, droughts, floods and other disasters. A particular focus is helping countries at greatest risk, including island nations that are losing land to rising seas.

Electrification has emerged as a point of contention at the talks. A goal introduced this year would increase the share of electricity in total global energy consumption from roughly 21 per cent to 35 per cent by 2035, preferably from renewable energy such as solar and wind.

How it is being reported

• UN chief says 'immediate and drastic' emissions cuts needed to avert climate change catastropheUnited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says the world must immediately and drastically cut fossil fuel emissions to avert the most catastrophic effects of climate change.Clickorlando · 13 Nov, 18:44
• UN chief says 'immediate and drastic' emissions cuts needed to avert climate change catastropheUnited Nations Secretary-General António Guterres says the world must immediately and drastically cut fossil fuel emissions to avert the most catastrophic effects of climate change.News4Jax · 13 Nov, 18:44

In this story: António Guterres · United Nations · Antalya · Turkey

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