KING GEORGE ISLAND, Antarctica (AP) — U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited Antarctica on the eve of international climate talks to draw attention to the concerning melt of the ice due to human-caused climate change and urge immediate action.
“What happens in Antarctica doesn’t stay in Antarctica,” Guterres said. Besides reflecting sunlight away from the Earth, Antarctica plays a critical role in regulating the planet’s climate by driving major ocean currents with its ice and cold waters. The melting of massive amounts of ice raises sea levels and affects ocean salinity and animal habitats.
At the upcoming Conference of the Parties (COP28) nations are expected to strengthen commitments to address climate change, but current efforts have not been enough to slow the emissions causing the warming.
Guterres, alongside Chilean President Gabriel Boric, visited Chile’s Eduardo Frei Air Force Base on King George Island and emphasized the need to phase-out of fossil fuels and prevent global warming above 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The U.N. chief called for more renewable energy projects and improved energy efficiency at the COP28 conference. Sultan al-Jaber, president of this year’s talks, was urged by Guterres to encourage the fossil fuel industry to invest in clean energy projects.
Pope Francis is set to attend the U.N. climate conference, and Guterres believes his presence will convey to political leaders the moral imperative to prioritize climate action and alter the current “suicidal trajectory” of the environment.
___
O’Malley reported from Philadelphia.
___
Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about AP’s climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
