The UN Secretary-General António Guterres made a statement on International Mother Earth Day urging prompt action to safeguard the environment and fight against climate change. Guterres emphasized the crucial connection between humans and the natural world, noting that the preservation of a healthy environment is crucial for our well-being and survival. However, he expressed concern over the ongoing damage being inflicted on forests, wetlands, oceans, coral reefs, rivers, seas, and lakes, putting one million species at risk of extinction, acoording to WAM.
To tackle these issues, Guterres called for more rapid climate action, including deeper and quicker cuts in emissions to restrict global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He also highlighted the need for significant investments in adaptation and resilience, particularly in the most vulnerable communities that are least accountable for the crisis.
Guterres emphasized the significance of maintaining robust ecosystems in the fight against climate change, and urged the safeguarding of 30 percent of the Earth’s land and water by 2030 as outlined in the UN biodiversity agreement.
The UN Secretary-General appealed to governments, corporations, institutions, civil society, and individuals to collaborate and demand that leaders take resolute action to protect the environment. He also emphasized the importance of seeking guidance and direction from Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and leadership in environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, Guterres urged individuals globally to take action to protect our collective home, and called on world leaders to reconcile with nature for the benefit of present and future generations.
