As COP30 negotiations head into the final hours on November 21, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a passionate plea for global unity and bolder climate action. Standing before reporters, he reminded delegations that keeping the 1.5°C target ‘the only non-negotiable red line’ is crucial to avoid the worst impacts of climate breakdown 🌡️🔥.
Guterres stressed the need for a fair balance between three pillars: mitigation, adaptation and finance. He urged developed countries to ramp up adaptation funding, aiming to mobilize $300 billion per year by 2035 on the road to a $1.3 trillion climate-finance goal. 'We need to triple adaptation finance, reform multilateral banks and reshape the global financial system,' he said.
On fossil fuels, the UN chief called for a ‘just, orderly and equitable transition.’ He warned that without parallel progress on phasing out coal, oil and gas, renewable targets won’t add up. Guterres condemned ‘market distortions that favor fossil fuels’ and branded disinformation campaigns as sabotage tactics 🚫⛽.
With 2025 racing to be one of the warmest years on record and a brief fire disrupting talks on the sidelines, negotiators wasted no time returning to the tables. Their mission is clear: secure a deal that binds major emitters to stronger commitments and keeps the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal in sight.
Time is running out, but Guterres’ call for leadership, boldness and good faith offers a rallying cry for youth, activists and policymakers alike. ‘This is our moment,’ he said—let’s hope the world answers 🕰️🤝🌍.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
