The United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, has issued a stark warning to world leaders at the Cop27 climate summit in Egypt, declaring that humanity is on a 'highway to climate hell' with its foot on the accelerator. Speaking at the opening of the two-week conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, Guterres emphasised that the fight for a liveable planet will be won or lost in this crucial decade.
Guterres urged developed and developing nations to forge a 'historic pact' to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon future, or face collective failure leading to climate breakdown and catastrophe. He stated, 'We can sign a climate solidarity pact, or a collective suicide pact.' The UN chief noted that the tools to combat emissions, such as clean energy and low-carbon technology, are available but stressed that a narrow window of opportunity remains open.
Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi echoed the urgency in his opening address, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters affecting billions worldwide. He questioned whether it is not time to end the suffering. The summit, attended by over 100 heads of state and government, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, US President Joe Biden (arriving later), and other global leaders, will address the contentious issue of 'loss and damage'—financial support for poor countries hit by climate extremes.
Despite the high-level participation, the conference faces significant challenges, including the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, a global energy crisis, and tensions between rich and poor nations over emissions cuts and financial aid. Activists face restrictions in Egypt, with protests limited to a separate site and requiring prior registration.
