Nagpur: “To invest in coal for the future is to build white elephants, build stranded assets.
And I do not think developing countries have sufficient resources to waste, “said Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, while responding to questions asked by TOI India continued investment in coal-fired power plants.
Guterres interact with journalists around the world for a virtual press conference organized by the Climate Covering Now, an organization of media from around the world.
Guterres, 72, dressed in the usual formal blazer and tie but unwonted worry lines on his forehead, which may have less to do with aging.
“I am very worried yet hopeful.
The progress of countries in recent weeks is not enough.
We are getting close to the Conference of the Parties (COP) and I hope there is still time to avoid failure in Glasgow.
Things are getting harder and I fear they may be wrong, “he said, while indicating that he sounded pessimistic ahead of COP26.
COP this year, which will be held by the United Kingdom in Glasgow, is to meet the most eagerly awaited because it will be the first time the Treaty of Paris will be revisited and global leaders will need to demonstrate how they have met their target states.
Overcoming TOI questions about how a country like India which is very dense energy can make a complete transition, Guterres said, “It is certain that coal is an investment that is condemned; to invest in it is economically wrong decision.
Countries highly dependent on coal to increase their electricity production to ensure electricity for all.
For this, I urge developed countries to build coalitions to support these countries and help them accelerate their transition to clean energy.
” Referring to interaction with Indian leaders, Guterres remembers how they “always say Paris Agreement establishes principle of common but differentiated responsibilities depend on the ability of countries”.
While the secretary-general agreed this was true and developed countries need to take the lead, he also stressed that the time had come to “developing countries to go the extra mile”.
On Friday, the Union for the Indian environment minister Bhupendra Yadav stated that climate finance will be the most important issue at COP26.
In 2009, developed countries have pledged to provide $ 100 billion per year to developing their counterparts to combat climate change – a promise that has not seen the light.
Guterres is wary of what the lack of finance can do.
“The money pledged is needed for mitigation and adaptation, but most importantly, it is essential to re-establish trust between the developed and developing world.
How does $ 100 billion will be realized is a fundamental condition to bring back this confidence, “he added.
UN chief later face the question on the uncertainty over the success of the COP.
He did not mince words when answering.
“Negotiations at COP held in Katowice last two years were very difficult, met in Madrid was a complete disaster.
We have achieved some critical points that will make the damage done by climate change is irreversible.
We need to stop and that is why the meeting in Glasgow is important.
We need to ensure that there is a strong commitment to reduce emissions and a commitment to finance the developing countries, with a high percentage devoted to adaptation, “said Guterres.
He finally said what has been a unanimous contemplation – ‘How are we on the brink of the abyss?’ “The debate lasted too long for a very simple reason.
Up until recently, said that about seven years ago, there is no effective conscience at the level of global public opinion that we are really moving toward disaster.
And lobby the interests of economy, which is one of the fossil fuels are involved in a very strong campaign, putting into question the scientific findings on climate change.
They even found some “scientists” to strengthen their ideas.
Like the tobacco industry did for many years, explained that tobacco is harmless people, “said Guterres.
He went on to show that the wake-up call came in very late.
“And when it came, things began to accelerate, and this led to the Treaty of Paris,” he added.
But the deal will become a reality? As the secretary-general said in opening remarks, “We do not see the level of ambition needed to get there.
The time for diplomatic niceties ended.
If the leader does not stand up, we headed for the terrible human suffering.
“