The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged everyone for a major and rapid change in the fight against climate disruption.
In a pre-recorded video message for the Youth4Climate virtual event, convened by the government of Italy, the Director-General of the intergovernmental organization observed that “Major and rapid change is exactly what we need in the fight against climate disruption. Change that will make our planet more livable, sustainable and inclusive.”
Reemphasizing the importance of youth in the movement against climate disruption, the UN chief stated that “No group is more effective in pushing leaders to change course than you.”
Mr. urged young people to keep raising their voices in their schools, workplaces and online communities, bringing their ideas and “driving forward the ambition we need” adding that “when you march, the world follows.”
Remarking that climate crisis is “the most pressing issue of our time,” Guterres said that young people “are having a major impact”.
A bigger threat than COVID-19
In a recent report, Switzerland-based global humanitarian network Red Cross urged the world to react with the same vigor to climate change as to the coronavirus crisis while warning that global warming poses a greater threat than the pandemic.
In its report, the international body highlighted that “climate change will have a more significant medium and long term impact on human life and on Earth.”
Highlighting the importance of a consistent effort against climate change Jagan Chapagain, International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC)’s Secretary-General remarked that while it looks increasingly likely that one or several vaccines would soon become available against COVID-19, “there is no vaccine for climate change” warning that global warming “will require a much more sustained action and investment to really protect the human life on this Earth.”
