By Arnold Ageta
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a powerful call to action today at the COP29 Leader’s Summit, addressing leaders from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) whose communities are at the frontlines of the climate crisis.
In a rousing speech marked by urgency and frustration, Guterres underscored the harsh injustice these nations face, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions.
“You have every right to be angry. I am too,” he began, emphasizing the growing threats SIDS face due to climate change.
“Your nations are on the sharp end of a colossal injustice,” he continued. “An injustice that sees the very future of your islands threatened by rising seas; your people pounded by record hurricanes; your economies torn apart.”
Guterres pointedly noted that the wealthiest countries are responsible for the vast majority of emissions, specifically calling out the G20, which accounts for nearly 80% of global emissions.
In his speech, Guterres outlined a three-point plan aimed at supporting SIDS: ambitious emissions reductions, justice through loss and damage financing, and reformed financial systems to support vulnerable countries.
Keeping 1.5 Degrees Alive
Guterres called on the global community to “spare no effort to keep 1.5 degrees alive,” referring to the critical target set in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
“This means global emissions falling nine percent a year to 2030,” he stated, underscoring the need for bold actions.
He also urged G20 countries to lead in phasing out fossil fuels quickly and equitably and to put forth ambitious climate action plans by COP30.
Justice Through the Loss and Damage Fund
As climate impacts intensify, Guterres stressed the importance of addressing the “loss and damage” experienced by SIDS, nations that have contributed next to nothing to global emissions yet bear a disproportionate burden.
“We must get serious about loss and damage,” he said, urging developed nations to contribute significantly to the newly established Loss and Damage Fund.
“Every one of you must have the chance to build resilience and seize the benefits of adaptation to drive progress,” he added.
A commitment to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion annually by 2025, made by developed nations, was hailed as an “important step,” but Guterres cautioned that much more is needed.
“These measures can only take us so far,” he warned, calling for long-term reform.
Financial Reform for True Climate Justice
Addressing the financial strain on SIDS, Guterres highlighted the “perfect storm” of rising debt, high capital costs, and economic setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He reiterated the significance of the Pact for the Future, which was adopted by consensus in September, and its call for reform of the international financial architecture, including debt relief and an annual $500 billion Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) stimulus.
“A new climate finance goal is needed—one that mobilizes trillions in funding for developing nations,” Guterres asserted.
He proposed tapping innovative funding sources, such as levies on aviation, shipping, and fossil fuel extraction, to increase concessional public financing.
Additionally, he emphasized the need for an “accessibility, transparency, and accountability framework” to ensure that funds reach those who need them most.
A Call to Action
Guterres closed his speech by urging the SIDS to use their “moral authority to demand action, demand leadership, and demand justice.” His words resonated with urgency: “Time is of the essence. Together, you are helping us move from anger to action. And, together, I know we can win.”
COP29 serves as a critical juncture in the global climate response, and the voices of Small Island Developing States are making it clear that the stakes have never been higher. As Guterres expressed, “The world must follow you. And it must support you.”
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