UN Chief António Guterres Calls for Global Acceleration of Early Warning Systems and Climate Finance at WMO Anniversary
#AntónioGuterres #UN #ClimateAction
At the 75th anniversary of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful address urging governments to accelerate global action on early warning systems and climate financing. Speaking before the World Meteorological Congress on Wednesday, October 22, Guterres praised the WMO as a “barometer of truth” and a “shining example of science supporting humanity.”
He commended the organization’s decades-long contribution to weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, crediting its scientists and meteorologists for transforming data into life-saving action. Guterres highlighted that disaster-related deaths are six times lower in countries with effective early warning systems, and that 24 hours of advance notice can cut potential damage by up to 30 percent.
The UN Chief emphasized that early warnings work and have saved millions of lives, noting that more than 60% of nations now operate multi-hazard alert systems, while developing countries have nearly doubled their capacity in recent years. He celebrated advances in digital technology and artificial intelligence for strengthening global monitoring and forecasting capabilities.
However, Guterres warned that “the planet is on the brink,” citing data showing that the last ten years were the hottest in recorded history, with record ocean heat devastating ecosystems and worsening fires, floods, and storms worldwide. He reaffirmed his Early Warnings for All Initiative, launched in 2022, which aims to ensure universal protection by 2027.
Outlining three urgent priorities, Guterres called first for governments to integrate meteorological and hydrological services into national disaster risk policies. Second, he demanded a surge in financing for developing countries, pointing to outcomes from the Financing for Development Conference in Seville, which urged reform of global financial systems, greater multilateral bank lending, and lower debt costs.
Third, he pressed for deep emission cuts and climate action ahead of the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Brazil this November. Guterres urged all nations to present new, ambitious national climate plans consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, and called for developed countries to double adaptation finance to $40 billion this year. He also proposed mobilizing $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to fund climate solutions and demanded substantial contributions to the new Loss and Damage Fund.
The Secretary-General lauded the rapid growth of renewable energy, describing it as “the cheapest, fastest, and only credible path” to halt planetary degradation. He also condemned disinformation and eco-whitewashing, pledging solidarity with scientists and researchers as part of the World Initiative for the Integrity of Information on Climate Change.
Concluding, Guterres called the WMO a “calm force that illuminates every climatically rational decision” and urged continued cooperation to place science at the service of action and justice.
00:00 – Addressing the Root of the Climate Crisis
Guterres opens by urging leaders to tackle the causes of climate disasters — global warming itself.
00:12 – Countdown to COP30 in Brazil
He calls on all countries to submit ambitious new national climate plans aligned with the 1.5°C goal.
00:42 – Financing Climate Action: $1.3 Trillion per Year
Guterres proposes a global mobilization plan to raise $1.3 trillion annually by 2035 for developing nations.
01:14 – Adaptation and the Loss & Damage Fund
He urges developed countries to double adaptation financing to $40 billion and fund climate loss recovery.
01:30 – The Power of Renewable Energy
Guterres praises renewables as the fastest, cheapest, and only credible path to halt climate degradation.
01:57 – Fighting Climate Disinformation
He warns against misinformation and highlights the World Initiative for the Integrity of Information on Climate Change.
02:23 – Standing with Science
Guterres expresses solidarity with scientists and researchers, affirming their right to speak the truth.
02:40 – The Role of the WMO
He honors the World Meteorological Organization as a calm, guiding force in global climate decisions.
02:59 – Science for Action and Justice
The Secretary-General closes by urging global cooperation to unite science, justice, and urgent climate action.
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