Secretary-General, Welcoming First High-Level Carbon-Free Summit, Says More Such Creativity Needed to Transform Economies, Limit Global Warming

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Climate Vulnerable Forum Virtual Summit today:

I am pleased to greet this first high-level carbon-free summit.

I commend the Marshall Islands and the co-chairs for using new technologies for this purpose.

We need more such creativity if we are to transform our economies and limit global warming to as close to 1.5 degrees as possible.

Climate change is moving faster than we are.  As those witnessing its daily impacts, you know we cannot afford any more delays.  The world counts on all nations to ensure that next month’s climate conference in Poland is a success.

We need ambitious climate action now.  To accelerate efforts, I will host a Climate Summit next September.  I look forward to working with you.

Thank you for your commitment.