In a dire warning, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared on Thursday that climate change has reached a “terrifying” level. He stated that July is set to be the hottest month ever recorded, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger action to reduce fossil-fuel consumption in order to avert greater consequences in the future.
During a press conference in New York, Guterres declared, “The era of global warming has ended. The era of global boiling has arrived. The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil-fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable.”
Guterres supported his claims with data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. According to their findings, July will undoubtedly be the hottest month ever recorded. “Humanity is in the hot seat,” warned Guterres. “For scientists, it is unequivocal: Humans are to blame. All this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings. The only surprise is the speed of the change.”
Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo highlighted that the record-breaking July temperatures are not an isolated event. Seasonal forecasts indicate that temperatures will continue to remain well above average. “Extreme weather, which has already affected millions of people in July, is unfortunately the harsh reality of climate change and a glimpse into the future,” said Buontempo.
Chris Hewitt, the WMO’s director of climate services, further reinforced the urgent nature of the situation. He stated that there is a 98% likelihood that at least one of the next five years will break the record for the hottest year on record.
Guterres stressed that there is no more time for world leaders to make excuses and wait for others to take action first. “Accelerated temperatures demand accelerated action,” he emphasized. Among the actions he called for was the complete cessation of coal usage in developed countries by 2030 and in the rest of the world by 2040.
The consequences of unchecked climate change are already being felt around the world. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events have caused immense devastation and displacement, affecting millions of people. The urgency to address this crisis cannot be overstated.
As Guterres made this urgent plea for action, he also acknowledged that the responsibility lies with all nations and individuals. It is a global problem that requires a collective effort to mitigate and adapt to the challenges of climate change.
The alarming reality painted by Guterres serves as a wake-up call for the international community. Immediate and concerted efforts are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices. The Earth, with its unbreathable air and unbearable heat, implores us to take action now to secure a livable future for generations to come.
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