After 2024 marked the hottest year on record, amidst a decade of record temperatures, the Earth needs a fresh start with a rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, along with a boost in climate adaptation, stated the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.
The climate crisis in numbers
In his message for the International Mother Earth Day, Guterres warned: “Mother Earth is running a fever”, pointing out that the clear cause is greenhouse gas emissions released by humanity, mostly from fossil fuels.
The effects of this crisis are evident:
- Devastating wildfires.
- Floods and heatwaves.
- Loss of human lives and destruction of livelihoods.
The path to recovery
The leader of the UN emphasized that the solution is in our hands: “Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and accelerating climate adaptation to protect ourselves and preserve nature,” he declared.
According to Guterres, embarking on this path benefits all of humanity, as:
- Renewable energy is more cost-effective, healthier, and safer compared to fossil fuels.
- Climate adaptation strategies are essential to strengthen economies and create safer communities.
National plans and international commitments
The Secretary-General stressed that 2025 will be a crucial year, when countries must establish new national climate action plans, aligned with the goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5 °C.
This is crucial to prevent a major climate catastrophe. Additionally, he urged nations to:
- Reap the benefits of clean energy, with the G20 leading the way.
- Implement actions to combat pollution and halt biodiversity loss.
- Ensure financing for environmental protection.
“Together, let’s get to work and make 2025 the year we restore Mother Earth’s health”, Guterres concluded.
The triple planetary crisis and its impact on human rights
Meanwhile, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, highlighted that the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and pollution are not abstract threats, but rather they affect ecosystems, livelihoods, and human rights.
Türk urged moving towards a sustainable economy that leaves behind exploitation and waste, stressing that the transformation is urgent and necessary.
“Cities need global solidarity”, he added, reinforcing the importance of directing investments towards rapidly growing urban areas lacking resources to address climate change.
