UN Urges Acceleration of Climate Action Amid Rising Global Temperatures

Beijing (ANTARA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterress, on Tuesday (2/6), urged the acceleration of climate action as global temperatures continue to rise, noting that the world has experienced the eleven hottest years in UN records. Guterres called on nations to speed up the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and intensify efforts to combat global warming.

These remarks were delivered via a video message ahead of World Environment Day, observed annually on 5 June, during an event organised by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) office for China in Beijing. Guterres emphasised that climate change has had significant impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, public health, and economies worldwide. He made an urgent plea for climate action to be implemented more swiftly and decisively.

UN Resident Coordinator in China, Stephen Jackson, stated that the UN system is prepared to strengthen cooperation with China and other partners to advance renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, sustainable urban development, and green finance. Wang Qian, officer-in-charge and head of the UNEP office for China, noted that climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, stressing the importance of transforming climate awareness into concrete action.

Since its establishment in 1972, World Environment Day has served as one of the UN’s largest platforms for environmental campaigning. This year’s celebrations focus on climate change and include various community participation events aimed at raising awareness of climate issues and promoting sustainable lifestyles.