UN chief slams 'pitiful' world response to climate change

The National Times - UN chief slams 'pitiful' world response to climate change

UN chief slams 'pitiful' world response to climate change / Photo: © AFP

Climate policies currently adopted will lead to average temperatures 2.8 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times by the end of the century, nearly twice the UN goal of a 1.5 degree rise, Guterres said.

"That spells catastrophe. Yet the collective response remains pitiful," Guterres told a press conference.

"We are hurtling towards disaster, eyes wide open -- with far too many willing to bet it all on wishful thinking, unproven technologies and silver bullet solutions. It's time to wake up and step up," said the UN chief.

He said the fossil fuel industry must undertake not just a transition but full-blown transformation as it moves toward clean energy "and away from a product incompatible with human survival."

Guterres added: "Countries are far off-track in meeting climate promises and commitments. I see a lack of ambition. A lack of trust. A lack of support. A lack of cooperation. And an abundance of problems around clarity and credibility."

Guterres, who is hosting a climate summit in New York in September, said the 1.5 degree goal is "still possible," if the fight against climate change is accelerated.

"All of this action must be global. It must be immediate. And it must start with the polluted heart of the climate crisis: the fossil fuel industry," he warned.

"Let's face facts. The problem is not simply fossil fuel emissions. It's fossil fuels -- period."

Guterres also called out the oil and gas industry's $4 trillion net income last year.

"Yet for every dollar it spends on oil and gas drilling and exploration, only 4 cents went to clean energy and carbon capture -- combined."

"Trading the future for thirty pieces of silver is immoral," he cautioned.

A.M.James--TNT

Ian Borg Honoured by Palestinian and Arab League Ambassadors for Palestine Support

Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg has been presented with a commemorative plaque by the ambassadors of Palestine and the Arab League to Malta. The honour recognizes his support for Arab causes during his tenure as Foreign Minister, particularly regarding Malta’s formal recognition of the State of Palestine.

Wu Administration Proposes Reforms to Boston’s Inclusionary Zoning Rules

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s administration announced a new round of policy adjustments on Monday designed to revive stalled affordable housing and commercial development projects. The proposals include extending payment timelines for developers, temporarily exempting smaller residential builds from strict zoning requirements, and freezing an automatic increase in commercial linkage fees to reduce financial burdens in a challenging market.

MLA seeks inquiry into reported sectarian gestures on Ormeau Road

A SINN FÉIN MLA has condemned reports that loyalist band members made sectarian gestures at the scene of a Troubles massacre where five Catholic civilians were murdered. Deirdre Hargey has now called on police and transport authorities to investigate the claims following Saturday's Belfast Walker Club parade on the Ormeau Road.

Louise O’Reilly attacks Simon Harris over unemployment remarks

Sinn Féin TD Louise O’Reilly has dubbed Fine Gael leader Simon Harris a “Thatcherite” after the Tánaiste claimed that long-term unemployment is “not a way of life. ” The Sinn Féin social protection spokesperson stated that the Tánaiste has chosen to “stigmatise individuals on the margins of society and cast them as work-shy, rather than answer for his Government’s failures and the serious problems within his own party.