Humanity Faces Climate Collapse, Warns UN- Analysis

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated that the world is currently experiencing “climate collapse in real time.” This declaration came following the release of a provisional report by the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which confirmed that 2023 is on track to be the hottest year on record. The report revealed that global average temperatures have risen to 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, leading to unprecedented melting of ice caps and glaciers. It also highlighted that sea levels have escalated at twice the rate of the previous decade and that Antarctic sea ice extent is at its lowest recorded level. Guterres stressed the urgency for world leaders to take action in response to these alarming findings.

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) attributes the rising temperatures to human-caused carbon emissions. According to the IPCC, global emissions must be reduced by 28% to prevent temperatures from exceeding 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. To stay within the 1.5 degree limit, a reduction of 42% is necessary. Guterres called on UN member states to triple their use of renewable energy, double their energy efficiency, and phase out fossil fuels.

At the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, world leaders will discuss and negotiate measures to combat climate change. However, it remains uncertain whether any new commitments will be made to reduce fossil fuel usage. European Union ministers failed to agree on a deadline for ending fossil fuel subsidies, and countries like France and Germany have resumed coal power plants due to an energy shortage resulting from the Russian gas embargo. The lack of funding in developing countries is also hindering their transition to renewable energy.

In India, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the funding challenges faced by developing countries in combating climate change. Additionally, she mentioned that India will require a significant increase in coal consumption to charge the surging number of electric vehicles. This poses a dilemma for India’s efforts to boost electric car ownership while striving to reduce carbon emissions.

Guterres emphasized the need for wealthy nations to fulfill their commitment to provide $100 billion per year for climate projects in developing countries. He also called for a doubling of funding to support countries in transitioning to renewable energy. The executive secretary of UN Climate Change, Simon Stiell, stressed that COP28 must go beyond symbolic gestures and deliver concrete actions to address the climate crisis.

Overall, the article presents information based on the findings of the UN World Meteorological Organization and statements from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other officials. However, since the article is sourced from RT, a news outlet with a reputation for spreading biased and misleading information, caution should be exercised in evaluating the credibility of the sources and the potential for underlying biases. The article does not provide a balanced perspective by including diverse viewpoints or expert opinions. Consequently, it is crucial to corroborate the information presented with reliable sources and data. The article’s reliance on RT as a source may contribute to misinformation or a limited understanding of the topic. The political landscape, coupled with the prevalence of fake news, can influence public perception and shape the discourse surrounding climate change. It is essential to critically analyze information from various sources and engage in fact-checking to establish a well-rounded understanding of climate-related issues.

Source: RT news: Humanity experiencing climate collapse – UN