Guterres calls for global commitment against climate change during India trip
New Delhi, Oct 20 (EFE).- United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for global awareness that everyone should be part of the solution in the fight against climate change, as he launched the Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) mission for climate action in India.
“All of us, as individuals and communities, can – and must – be part of the solution of protecting our planet and our collective future. After all, overconsumption is at the root of the triple planetary emergency of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” Guterres said.
The UN official made the appeal in India’s western state of Gujarat as he inaugurated LIFE, an Indian initiative to raise awareness over resources that contribute to preserving the environment in line with UN’s Sustainable Development Goals 2030. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took part in the event.
Guterres said that excessive consumption by developed world powers aggravated inequality between countries and resulted in the deterioration of diversity and environment.
“The combined greenhouse gas emissions of the richest 1 per cent are more than twice of the poorest 50 per cent. So, we need to urgently transform our economic systems to make them friendly to the planet,” the secretary-general said on the second and last day of his official India visit.
Modi reiterated India’s pledge to “work for the environment, bringing development and nature together,” and said that global unity was the most important factor in fighting climate change.
“The environment is not just a policy issue; people must also take responsibility and work to save the environment. Mission LiFE is a mission that anyone can take on; it celebrates the power of all individuals,” he added.
The prime minister insisted that irrespective of ability, everyone could help the environment “simply by changing our daily habits: smaller efforts can add up to bigger results.”
Guterres congratulated India on the initiative, which comes on the back of the India-based launch of the International Solar Alliance, which aims to help developed nations transfer technology and funds to developing countries for boosting solar energy projects.
“The world counts on India and other G20 economies to lead the way in ending our addiction to coal – by 2030 in OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries and 2040 in non-OECD countries,” the secretary general said.
India is set to occupy the chair of G20 – a group consisting of the most developed and major emerging economies – and is expected to use the opportunity to play a “key role” in the fight against climate change. EFE
ns-mvg/ia
