At the Local Climate Action Summit, the minister assured that the success of COP28 will also be measured in cities, regions and states around the world.
Local politicians are often going further and faster than their national governments in tackling the climate crisis, the High Representative acknowledged.
Guterres welcomed initiatives at these levels to reduce the use of fossil fuels, create green jobs, clean polluted air and invest in sustainable infrastructure and public transport systems.
However, he insisted on the need to develop comprehensive and detailed transition plans for energy transition at the local level.
At the same time, he called for a seat for community and city representatives at the national government table in developing climate policies and regulations.
“The success or failure of these new national climate plans will be measured at the local level and you must be involved every step of the way,” he said.
Finally, the Secretary-General called on representatives to join the renewable energy revolution with a global commitment to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“We are accelerating towards a three degree temperature rise and there are still no signs of slowing down. At the same time, developing countries lack the support they need to adapt to the carnage around them and take the leap into a renewable future,” he warned.
The world needs to slow down at COP28, the UN chief said, as he called for people to “change the rules of the game and think big.”
“Let us come together and work together to protect all communities from the climate crisis and advance the renewable, sustainable and equitable future that people and the planet deserve,” he said.
mem/ebr