In anticipation of World Environment Day on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the global community to protect Earth's vital ecosystems from widespread pollution, increasing climate challenges, and the ongoing decimation of biodiversity.
Guterres emphasized the urgent need for nations to fulfill their commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an international agreement focused on preserving biodiversity. He highlighted that countries must outline in their updated national climate action plans strategies to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.
The UN chief stressed the importance of significantly increasing financial support to help developing nations adapt to severe weather conditions, safeguard nature, and promote sustainable development. \"Every dollar invested in ecosystem restoration generates up to thirty dollars in economic benefits,\" he stated, underscoring the economic rationale for immediate and decisive action.
The consequences of failing to address uncontrolled pollution, climate disruption, and biodiversity destruction are becoming increasingly apparent. Fertile lands are turning into deserts, vibrant ecosystems into lifeless areas, and rising carbon dioxide emissions are exacerbating the situation. \"That means crops failing, water sources vanishing, economies weakened, and communities endangered – with the poorest hit hardest … It is time to break free,\" Guterres concluded.
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UN chief calls for protecting Earth ahead of World Environment Day
cgtn.com
