“Antonio Guterres’ last ever COP opening speech brought his on-brand mix of fire, backbone and poetry in calling out fossil lobbyists’ efforts to derail climate action in the face of the collapsing economic case for fossil fuels.
“He put an urgent spotlight on the stark fact that the world is woefully unprepared to deal with the temperature rises that are now locked in. To keep everyone on the planet safe, a radically more ambitious approach to adaptation is needed, with countries working together to ensure and underwrite collective safety for all.
“Guterres also echoed key messages from UNEP’s recent report on Overshoot in effectively calling for ways that can bring temperatures back down to 1.5°C. These comments echo rumours that the COP Presidencies may mention carbon dioxide removal technologies in the upcoming COP31 cover decision.
“But while the temptation to hope for ways to reverse the harm from rising emissions is understandable, there is little chance that technologies will deliver significant amounts of carbon dioxide removal. Instead, the very fossil lobbyists that Guterres criticised are likely to use CDR endorsement to further derail real action.
“COP31 must focus on the real goal of transitioning away from fossil fuels, instead of boosting failing technologies or tree plantations on a scale that would grab land from the world’s most vulnerable.”
[ENDS]
Contact
Stephanie Wulf, Senior Communications Manager, ActionAid Australia
+61 (0)456 952 836
About ActionAid
ActionAid is a global women’s rights organisation, working with women on the frontlines of injustice – including the climate crisis, conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies. Our dedicated local staff work with more than 41 million people living in 71 countries, supporting women to transform their lives and their communities.