United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a press conference within the scope of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) held in Antalya. Thanking Türkiye for hosting and hospitality, Guterres said, "Turkey is hosting one of the largest COPs ever and undoubtedly the largest UN conference of this year. It is truly extraordinary to feel the energy, enthusiasm and determination of tens of thousands of people from all corners of the world." he said.
Emphasizing that COP31 brings together people and organizations from different parts of the world to combat the biggest problems of the age, Guterres gave important messages about the fight against climate change at the last COP meeting he attended as Secretary General.
"EXCEEDING THE 1.5 DEGREE LIMIT IS NOW INEVITABLE"
Stating that he tried to express scientific facts about climate change during his nearly 10-year term, Guterres said that global warming causes hunger, migration, economic losses and instability. Pointing out that the climate crisis eliminates the development gains of countries, increases the debt burden and intensifies the competition over water and land, Guterres said, "You cannot build peace on a burning planet." he said. Emphasizing that fossil fuels are the main cause of the climate crisis, the UN Secretary-General said, "There is no credible path to a safe climate without moving away from fossil fuels." he said. Stating that it is now inevitable for the global temperature increase to exceed the 1.5 degree limit, Guterres said that this excess should be kept as short as possible. He stated that for this, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by approximately 6 percent every year for the next few years. Warning that with current national commitments, the temperature increase will exceed 2.5 degrees by the end of the century, Guterres said, "This is a recipe for disaster." made his assessment.
CALL TO MOVE AWAY FROM FOSSIL FUELS
Guterres stated that dependence on fossil fuels makes countries vulnerable to price fluctuations, geopolitical crises and economic instability, and said that the solution is not to change energy suppliers, but to reduce this dependence. He emphasized the need to popularize clean energy, develop electricity networks, increase energy storage capacity and strengthen energy efficiency. Pointing out that renewable energy has developed greatly in the last 10 years, Guterres stated that a cleaner and safer energy future is possible, but this requires political determination and rapid steps.
FINANCE CALL TO DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
Stating that the countries most severely affected by the climate crisis are the countries that contribute the least to global emissions, Guterres said that developed countries should fulfill their commitments regarding climate finance. Emphasizing that developing countries need more support in loss, damage and adaptation studies, the UN Secretary-General noted that even tripling adaptation financing would cover less than 30 percent of the amount needed. Stating that he met with the managers of different climate funds in Antalya, Guterres asked for increased efforts so that countries with limited administrative capacity can more easily access existing financial resources.
"THE FUTURE OF OUR PLANET CANNOT BE NEGOTIABLE"
Stating that the difference between scientific requirements and political decisions has reached dangerous dimensions, Guterres said that the COP process should be developed in a way that produces faster and concrete results. He stated that at the conference in Antalya, important initiatives were brought to the agenda regarding moving away from fossil fuels, combating deforestation, expanding electrification, zero waste, strengthening electricity networks and early warning systems. Emphasizing that countries that cause the highest greenhouse gas emissions must rapidly reduce their emissions, Guterres said, "We must confront the disproportionate influence of the fossil fuel lobby. The future of our planet cannot be negotiated according to the conditions of those who profit from its destruction." he said.
"FACE THE FACTS, FOLLOW THE WAY OF SCIENCE"
Stating that no country can be protected from the effects of climate change alone, Guterres drew attention to the importance of global cooperation. Stating that climate action is directly linked to peace, development, human rights and justice, the UN Secretary-General said that international solidarity should be strengthened in many areas, from early warning systems to clean energy infrastructure. Asking for the continuation of projects that increase the preparedness capacity of countries against future climate disasters, Guterres completed his message to the world from Antalya with the following words: "Face the facts. Follow the path of science. Choose the future. Never give up."
