UN Secretary-General António Guterres gives his keynote address on Climate Action ahead of the COP30 Summit in Brazil on April 23, 2025/SCREENGRAB
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on global leaders to accelerate climate action and uphold commitments ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil.
Speaking to the press after a high-level meeting on climate and a just transition, Guterres emphasised urgency and unity. “We don’t have a moment to lose,” he said.
The session brought together leaders from 17 countries, including major economies like China and the European Union, as well as climate-vulnerable states.
Regional blocs such as the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States were also represented.
“It was among the most diverse meetings of heads of state focused exclusively on climate in some time,” Guterres noted.
Despite global crises and economic uncertainty, Guterres said the world must stay on course.
“We cannot allow climate commitments to be blown off course,” he said.
“The world is moving forward. Full-speed ahead.”
He described renewables as “the economic opportunity of the century,” adding that the sector is creating jobs, lowering energy costs, and enhancing global competitiveness.
“The pathway out of climate hell is paved by renewables,” he said.
Guterres outlined two urgent calls to action: First, he urged nations to submit “the strongest possible national climate plans” before COP30. Many leaders, he said, committed to presenting ambitious strategies by September.
These plans, he stressed, must align with the 1.5-degree Celsius target, cover all greenhouse gases and sectors, and set clear emissions-reduction goals.
“They should help speed up a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewables,” he added.
Second, Guterres pushed for increased support to developing countries. “Those least responsible for climate change are suffering from its worst effects,” he said.
Citing Africa's limited solar capacity despite its rich resources, he said this imbalance must be addressed urgently.
“We need to change this — fast,” he declared.
Guterres called for a credible plan to mobilise $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries by 2035 and reiterated the need for developed nations to meet their promise of $40 billion a year in adaptation finance.
He also pressed for greater contributions to the Fund for Loss and Damage.
“As today’s meeting made clear, we cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action,” he concluded.
