Climate deal is essential: UN chief Guterres
Climate deal is essential: UN chief Guterres: According to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres it is “absolutely essential” that the world unite to combat the threat from climate change. Mr Guterres was speaking in New York when he said that if any country doubted the need for the 2015 Paris climate accord, then other countries must “stay the course.”
Mt Guterres was speaking after the US President Donald Trump had refused to join other leaders of the G7 group of rich nations in reaffirming the support for the 2015 Paris accord.
The US stance will be decided soon by President Trump. Earlier President Trump has dismissed the threat of global warming calling it a “hoax” created by China and has threatened to pull out of the Paris accord.
This was the first major statement concerning climate change by Mr Guterres since he took the office as UN chief five months ago.
Talking to the audience at the New York University Mr Guterres further added that “If any government doubts the global will and need for this accord, that is reason for all others to unite even stronger and stay the course… The message is simple: the sustainability train has left the station. Get on board or get left behind.”
In response to questions Mr Guterres said “We believe that it would be important for the US not to leave the Paris agreement. But even if the government decides to leave the Paris agreement, it’s very important for US society as a whole – the cities, the states, the companies, the businesses – to remain engaged.”
In a pledge made New York and California have pledged to fight climate change without the help of President Trump.
Mr Guterres added that it was his intent to convene a summit in 2019 to review progress on implementing the Paris accord. He added that “Climate change is undeniable. Climate action is unstoppable.”
US is Amongst the 140 countries and organisations that have ratified the agreement, however in his campaign trail President Trump had railed against it saying it was bad for the US economy. On the other hand, President Trump has repeatedly promised to strengthen the coal industry.
With an aim to keeping the global average rise in temperature below 2C, The Paris deal is the world’s first comprehensive climate agreement.
In order for that to happen, countries have pledged to reduce their carbon emissions.
Unlike the other six World leaders in attendance, last weekend President Trump left the G7 summit in Sicily without reaffirming his commitment to the accord.
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