As global leaders gather in Brazil for the COP30 climate summit, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has made a compelling call for urgent action to combat climate change and uphold the critical 1.5°C temperature target. Speaking from Belém, Guterres underscored the immediate threats posed by climate inaction, stating, “Every fraction of a degree means more hunger, displacement, and loss—especially for those least responsible.”
The Secretary-General referred to the consequences of failing to control global heating as a “moral failure and deadly negligence.” He highlighted that prolonged years of warmth would severely impact economies, exacerbate inequalities, and disproportionately affect developing countries that have contributed the least to climate change. Guterres warned that a temporary overshoot of the 1.5°C limit could occur as early as the 2030s, resulting in catastrophic global ramifications.
Echoing Guterres’ sentiments, Celeste Saulo, the head of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), confirmed alarming statistics indicating that greenhouse gas emissions have reached their highest levels in 800,000 years. She noted that from January to August of this year, the planet’s average temperature was approximately 1.42°C above pre-industrial levels, while ocean temperatures hit unprecedented highs. This has led to irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and economies.
According to the WMO’s State of the Global Climate Update 2025, the years 2015 to 2025 are projected to be the hottest on record. The report warns that, unless immediate action is taken, the world faces a potential temperature increase of 2.3 to 2.5°C by the end of the century. However, there is hope; immediate interventions could still help bring temperatures back down below the 1.5°C mark by century’s end.
Guterres stressed the importance of rapid emissions reductions and a swift transition away from fossil fuels, alongside dedicated efforts to protect both forests and oceans, which he referred to as a “single living system” critical for our climate. He commended the ongoing clean energy revolution, which is witnessing investments in renewable energy surpass fossil fuels by a staggering $800 billion. “Clean energy is winning in price, performance, and potential,” he stated, while urging political leaders to display the courage needed to make this transition a reality.
Marinez Scherer, COP30’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, called for unified global efforts to safeguard both forests and oceans, emphasizing their crucial role in oxygen production, temperature regulation, and economic stability. “Protecting the ocean and the Amazon is not just an environmental imperative, but a collective act of survival,” Dr. Scherer asserted.
As the summit progresses, the resounding message from Guterres and his peers is one of hope and potential for transformative change through collaboration. With a growing emphasis on renewable energy and a collective commitment to environmental stewardship, nations have a significant opportunity to effectively address the climate crisis, securing a healthier and more sustainable planet for generations to come.