Although Africa has contributed very little to global warming, the continent will suffer some of its most severe consequences, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned at the opening day of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Guterres noted that the world has already failed to keep global temperature rise within the 1.5°C limit, with warming having temporarily surpassed that threshold. The priority now, he said, should be ensuring that this overshoot remains as short, controlled, and safe as possible.
Highlighting the harsh realities of climate change, he cautioned that extreme heat, flooding, powerful cyclones, and food shortages are expected to intensify in the coming years. To confront these escalating threats, he urged a significant increase in international climate finance.
Calling on G20 nations, the Secretary-General stressed that addressing the global adaptation gap is essential for building a resilient and stable world. He argued that global adaptation funding must be tripled by 2030 to uphold climate justice.
Guterres also pointed out that 90 percent of new electricity generated worldwide last year came from renewable sources, which are now considered the most affordable option for new power generation in nearly all countries.
To ensure developing nations benefit from this transition, he emphasized the need for greater technology transfer and financial support—particularly to strengthen power grids, expand energy storage, enhance efficiency, and assist workers and communities affected by energy transformation.
Source: Anadolu Agency.