The UN chief made the appeal at a high-level dialogue on the issue of damage and loss caused by climate change during the COP29 conference in the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku.
“In this era of climate extremes, funding for damage and loss is essential. I urge the government to fulfill this promise. In the name of justice.”
He said the world is getting hotter and more dangerous than ever, which is no longer a matter of debate. “Climate disasters are increasing, and hurting those least responsible.”
At the same time, the biggest contributors to this destruction, especially the fossil fuel industry, are reaping huge profits and subsidies.
The top UN official said the fund set up to deal with the ‘losses and damages’ caused by climate change is a victory for developing countries, multilateralism and justice.
However, he made it clear that the $700 million raised so far through the fund could not heal the wounds of the most vulnerable communities.
“We need to think seriously about funding levels. I call on countries to commit new financial resources to this fund.”
In this context, Secretary-General Guterres called for consensus on a new climate finance goal, which requires securing resources through innovative measures.
“We need to mobilize solidarity from sectors such as shipping, aviation and fossil fuel extraction to finance climate action. We need to put a fair price on carbon.”
Bitter reality for the displaced
On the other hand, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) released a new report during the COP29 conference, according to which climate change is now becoming a major threat to people fleeing war, violence and persecution.
‘No Escape: On the Frontline of Climate, Conflict and Displacement’ The report calls for strong action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change.
This is the first report by the UN Refugee Agency on the impact of climate change. More than 120 million people around the world are victims of forced displacement, three-quarters of whom live in countries facing the effects of increasing emissions.
About 50 percent of the displaced face climate risks and violent conflicts, such as in places like Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria.
According to one estimate, by 2040 the number of countries at extreme climate risk will increase from three to 65. By the end of this century, the number of extremely hot days could double for displaced people, mostly in refugee camps.