From Dare Akogun, Egypt
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for a “historic pact” between developed and emerging economies as ‘implementable negotiations’ get underway at COP27.
Guterres in his remark on Monday at the High Level Opening of COP27 Climate Implementation Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, said there was a need for a climate solidarity pact in the world.
He said there is need for a pact in which all countries make an extra effort to reduce emissions this decade in line with the 1.5 degree goal.
According to him, “A Pact in which wealthier countries and International Financial Institutions provide financial and technical assistance to help emerging economies speed their own renewable energy transition.
“A Pact to end dependence on fossil fuels and the building of coal plants – phasing out coal in OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries by 2030 and everywhere else by 2040.
“A Pact that will provide universal, affordable, sustainable energy for all; a Pact in which developed and emerging economies unite around a common strategy and combine capacities and resources for the benefit of humankind,” he said.
The UN chief noted that the two largest economies in the world the United States and China had a particular responsibility to join efforts to make this Pact a reality.
This, he said remained the only hope of meeting the climate goals as humanity has a choice of either to cooperate or perish.
“Today, some three-and-a-half billion people live in countries highly vulnerable to climate impacts.
“In Glasgow, developed countries promised to double adaptation support to $40 billion a year by 2025.
“We need a roadmap on how this will be delivered; and we must recognise that this is only a first step, he said.
The UN scribe noted, as well, that loss and damage arising from the impact of climate change could no longer be swept under the rug as it is a moral imperative and a fundamental question of international solidarity and climate justice.
Those who contributed least to the climate crisis, he said were reaping the whirlwind sown by others.
“Many are blindsided by impacts for which they had no warning or means of preparation. This is why I am calling for universal early warning systems coverage within five years.
“And it is why I am asking that all governments tax the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies.
“Let’s redirect the money to people struggling with rising food and energy prices and to countries suffering loss and damage caused by the climate crisis.
“On addressing loss and damage, this COP must agree on a clear, time-bound roadmap reflective of the scale and urgency of the challenge.
“This roadmap must deliver effective institutional arrangements for financing.
“Getting concrete results on loss and damage is a litmus test of the commitment of governments to the success of COP27,” he submitted.
