You can’t argue with the laws of physics, dher the Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the opening of the summit of leaders that precedes the Conference of Climate of the United Nations, in Brazil (COP30). “But we can choose between leading or being led to ruin,” said António Guterres, calling for action against climate change.
The laws of physics mean that carbon dioxide carbon released into the atmosphere enhances the greenhouse effectretaining the Sun’s heat here on Earth, but the leader of the United Nations reinforces: it is in our hands to limit greenhouse emissions greenhouse gases and reduce the global warming.
“Too many companies are making record profits from climate devastation, and billions of euros are lost in lobbiesof the oil industry, who deceive citizens and obstruct progress”, said Guterres, before more than 60 world leaders who met this Thursday and Friday in Belém, in Amazon Brazilian.
“Many leaders remain captive to these vested interests”, he continued, highlighting that governments around the world spend a billion dollars every year on subsidies for fossil fuels.
The burning of gas, oil and coal, to produce energy, move cars or even produce plasticsis the main source of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming and climate change.
“Fair path”, says Lula
President Lula da Silva, host of COP30 in Brazil, warned that “extremist forces” are spreading lies about climate change for political gain. “In a scenario of insecurity and mutual distrust, immediate selfish interests prevail over the long-term common good,” he declared.
The Chilean President, Gabriel Boricmentioned Donald Trump by name, saying that the US President had lied to General Assembly of the United Nations in September, when he stated that climate change is “the biggest scam in the world”.
There was an appeal not to waste any more time. “Now is the time for implementation,” said Guterres, repeating this word three times, which is the motto of COP30. “It is a moral failure and mortal negligence if we do not limit the rise in global temperatures,” he declared, in a speech that appealed to indignation.
“We need a map to plan a fair path to end deforestation, overcome fossil fuels and mobilize resources to achieve these goals,” said Lula, in an appeal to leaders for common action against global warming. Even though Brazil has no plans to stop oil exploration, even at the mouth of the Amazon.
French President Emmanuel Macron, the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmerthe President of the European Commission, Ursula from the Leyenand the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, are among the leaders present at this summit.
Lula said goodbye remembering a Yanomami belief, indigenous people who live in the Amazon. “They believe thatIt is up to human beings to support the sky, so that it does not fall on the Earth”, he said. “This perspective gives the measure of our responsibility towards the planet. But it also recognizes that the power to expand horizons is in our hands”, highlighted the Brazilian President. “I hope this summit will help push the sky higher and broaden our vision beyond what we see today.”
