UN Chief Urges Global Leaders to Act on Climate Finance at COP29
By CCN News | Published: Nov 22, 2024
Embedded Files
Image Source: United Nations
With COP29 approaching its final stages in Baku, Azerbaijan, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stern warning Thursday, urging world leaders and negotiators to come together and secure a historic climate finance deal. As the clock ticks down, Guterres emphasized that failure to act is “not an option,” stressing that the consequences of inaction could be devastating for both the environment and global security.
Having just returned from the G20 Summit in Rio, Guterres reiterated his call for urgent climate finance to assist developing nations in combating increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters, including wildfires, droughts, and floods. These disasters are not only worsening due to human activity but also disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
Guterres said, “The clock is ticking. COP29 is now down to the wire,” and warned that failure to reach an agreement could undermine critical climate action in the coming years, making it harder to avoid irreversible climate tipping points.
Finance for Climate Action Must Support Vulnerable Communities
One of the key areas of contention at COP29 has been the setting of a new climate finance goal aimed at helping developing countries address the escalating impacts of climate change. The draft text, released in the early morning hours on Thursday, proposes a financial package to help these nations transition to clean energy and bolster disaster resilience. However, deep divisions between developed and developing countries remain, particularly regarding funding targets.
Guterres described climate finance not as charity, but as an essential investment for the planet's future. "It’s a downpayment on a safer, more prosperous future for every nation on Earth,” he argued, noting that multilateral development banks have committed to increasing climate finance to $120 billion annually by 2030. The Secretary-General also emphasized the need for solidarity and cooperation, urging negotiators to soften their hard lines and focus on the common goal of a livable planet for future generations.
In addition to climate finance, discussions at COP29 have highlighted the importance of gender equality in the fight against climate change. Women, particularly in low-income and marginalized communities, often bear the brunt of climate-induced disasters. By ensuring women have equal access to resources and decision-making power, more sustainable climate solutions can be developed, experts say.
Image Source: United Nations
Climate Change’s Disproportionate Impact on Women and Indigenous Communities
A key concern at COP29 is the growing burden climate change places on women and girls, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where they spend millions of hours daily fetching water and ensuring food security for their families. Jemimah Njuki of UN Women warned that climate change could push millions more women and girls into poverty and food insecurity, stressing the importance of gender-responsive climate finance.
Similarly, Indigenous women, particularly those in rural areas, are crucial in managing natural resources and maintaining ecosystem health. Dr. Jessica Hernandez, an Indigenous scholar and advocate, called for greater recognition of land rights and tenure for Indigenous communities, noting that such measures are vital for ensuring long-term environmental sustainability and food security. These communities, many of whom are women, are disproportionately affected by climate change yet are often excluded from decision-making processes that impact their futures.
As COP29 heads into its final days, the call for unity and decisive action remains urgent. Guterres’ appeal is clear: the world’s leaders must act now to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable, just future for all.
Advertisement
Google Sites
Report abuse