United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has sounded an alarm over the likelihood of surpassing the 1.5°C global warming limit, urging nations to implement significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and expedite the shift to renewable energy. Addressing the COP31 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Guterres highlighted the inadequacy of current climate commitments, which could lead to a rise in global temperatures exceeding 2.5°C by the century’s end.
Guterres emphasized the possibility of limiting the extent and duration of temperature increases beyond the 1.5°C threshold, contingent on immediate and substantial action. He called for an annual reduction of approximately 6% in emissions and underscored the need for accelerated transition away from fossil fuels, which currently exposes countries to volatile international price fluctuations.
A significant point raised during the summit was the issue of climate inequality. Guterres pointed out that while developing economies, excluding China, comprise nearly two-thirds of the global population, they receive less than 20% of the world’s clean-energy investments. He urged increased financial assistance to help these nations transition to cleaner energy sources.
The summit also saw a focus on electrification, with several countries backing the 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge. This initiative aims to boost the share of electricity in global energy consumption from the current 23% to 35% by 2035, promoting the expansion of renewable energy sources, power grids, and energy storage solutions.
India emphasized that the energy transition strategy should consider the financial capabilities, infrastructure, and developmental priorities unique to each country. The nation advocated for accessible financing and technological support to enable developing economies to achieve their climate targets.