Humanity is in the hot seat.
The World Meteorological Organization and the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has released official data that confirms that July 2023 is set to be the hottest month ever recorded in human history.
The consequences are clear and they are tragic: Children swept away by monsoon rains; families running from the flames; workers collapsing in scorching heat.
For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe — it is a cruel summer.
For the entire planet, it is a disaster.
And for scientists, it is unequivocal — humans are to blame.
All this is entirely consistent with predictions and repeated warnings. The only surprise is the speed of the change.
Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning.
The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.
The air is unbreathable. The heat is unbearable. And the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable.
Leaders must lead. No more hesitancy. No more excuses. No more waiting for others to move first.
There is simply no more time for that.
It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the very worst of climate change. But only with dramatic, immediate climate action.
We have seen some progress. A robust rollout of renewables. Some positive steps from sectors such as shipping.
But none of this is going far enough or fast enough. Accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action.
We need ambitious new national emissions reduction targets from G20 members.
All actors must come together to accelerate a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewables — as we stop oil and gas expansion, and funding and licensing for new coal, oil and gas.
Ambitious renewable energy goals must be in line with the 1.5 degree limit.
And we must reach net zero electricity by 2035 in developed countries and 2040 elsewhere, as we work to bring affordable electricity to everyone on earth.
We also need action from leaders beyond governments.
Financial institutions must end their fossil fuel lending, underwriting and investments and shift to renewables instead.
And fossil fuel companies must chart their move towards clean energy, with detailed transition plans across the entire value chain.
No more greenwashing. No more deception. And no more abusive distortion of anti-trust laws to sabotage net zero alliances.
All countries must respond and protect their people from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, droughts and raging fires that result.
Those countries on the frontlines — who have done the least to cause the crisis and have the least resources to deal with it
— must have the support they need to do so.
It is time for a global surge in adaptation investment to save millions of lives from climate carnage.
Developed countries must present a clear and credible roadmap to double adaptation finance by 2025 as a first step towards devoting at least half of all climate finance to adaptation.
Every person on earth must be covered by an early warning system by 2027. And countries should consider a set of global goals to mobilize international action and support on adaptation.
Promises made on international climate finance must be promises kept. We need a course correction in the global financial system so that it supports accelerated climate action.
In all these areas, we need governments, civil society, business and others working in partnership to deliver.
The evidence is everywhere: Humanity has unleashed destruction.
This must not inspire despair, but action.
We can still stop the worst. But to do so, we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition.
And accelerate climate action — now.
Excerpts from the US Secretary-General’s opening remarks at the press conference on climate, 27 July 2023.