The UN secretary general, António Guterres, has said that the era of global warming has ended and “the era of global boiling has arrived.
The UN chief who was reacting to confirmation by scientists that July was on track to be the world’s hottest month on record, said “Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning,”.
He said that “It is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C [above pre-industrial levels], and avoid the very worst of climate change. But only with dramatic, immediate climate action.”
Guterres’s comments came after scientists confirmed on Thursday that the past three weeks have been the hottest since records began and July is on track to be the hottest month ever recorded.
According to reports, global temperatures this month have shattered records, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the EU’s Copernicus Earth observation programme, stoked by the burning of fossil fuels and spurring violent weather.
The steady rise in global average temperatures, driven by pollution that traps sunlight and acts like a greenhouse around the Earth, has made weather extremes worse.
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“Humanity is in the hot seat,” Guterres said on Thursday. “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.
Speaking further, he said “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.”
Guterres also tasked politicians on the need to take swift action.
“The air is unbreathable, the heat is unbearable, and the level of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is unacceptable, “he said. “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,”.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
