Global leaders urged to accelerate climate action now

During a high-level meeting of the High Ambition Coalition, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for global leaders to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 9% annually over the next decade. This target is crucial to maintaining the global temperature rise within the 1.5-degree Celsius limit, a key goal of international climate agreements.

Guterres highlighted the importance of accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels, unlocking financial resources, and addressing loss and damage caused by climate change. He noted recent advancements, including the establishment of a loss and damage fund and increased financing for adaptation efforts, which he described as \"glimmers of progress.\"

The Secretary-General stressed that the economic momentum is shifting towards a cleaner future, asserting that no government or business can impede this transition. He called for a more rapid response to climate challenges, urging leaders to act decisively.

In a related discussion on critical energy transitional minerals, Guterres warned against repeating past mistakes as demand for these resources surges. He advocated for a just energy transition that considers the social and environmental impacts of mineral extraction and usage.