In his virtual message to the preparatory meeting for the UN Climate Conference – known as COP26 – Guterres pointed out that the irreversible turning points in this area are alarmingly close.

We can only reach the goal of limiting global warming by 1.5 degrees Celsius if all G20 member states, which are responsible for 80% of global emissions, take more decisive actions with new or updated contributions, he stressed.

In this regard, Guterres praised those nations that will present more ambitious contributions ahead of COP26, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also called on emerging economies to go a step further and continue to control the polluting emissions.

Guterres highlighted how young people are on the front lines in proposing positive solutions, defending climate justice and holding leaders accountable.

We need the new generations around the world to continue to raise their voices, he emphasized in his message to the pre-COP26, held this Thursday in Milan, Italy.

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