UN Secretary-General Calls for Adoption of 'New Charter for Climate Justice'

Istanbul, November 11 (KUNA) -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on Wednesday for the adoption of a “new climate justice compact” and for mobilizing the necessary financing to address climate change. He made these remarks during his address at the Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which is underway in the Turkish city of Antalya until November 20 and brings together leaders from 95 countries and officials from seven international organizations.

Guterres stressed the need for all countries to honor their commitments in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, which takes into account the differing responsibilities and capacities of nations in confronting climate change. He explained that the proposed compact rests on four pillars: accelerating a just transition away from fossil fuels; protecting the most vulnerable populations; ensuring adequate financing; and prioritizing cooperation over geopolitical divisions.

He added that meeting the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius requires tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2035 compared to 2025 levels. Achieving this target also necessitates reducing coal-based electricity generation without carbon capture technologies by at least 75 percent.

Guterres urged developed countries to provide climate financing of at least $300 billion annually by 2035, warning that climate disasters are “devastating lives, livelihoods, and economies” worldwide, and that the current climate trajectory constitutes a “pathway to certain mutual destruction.”

The COP31 conference, which began yesterday, Monday, is focused on discussing climate financing, adaptation to the impacts of climate change, and the transition to clean energy. (End) T.A. / F.L.A.