UN Chief Warns Humanity Has Missed 1.5°C Climate Target

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that humanity has effectively missed the 1.5°C global warming target set under the Paris Agreement unless urgent and radical action is taken immediately. He cautioned that further delays in cutting emissions could accelerate the crossing of catastrophic “tipping points” in ecosystems such as the Amazon, the Arctic, and the world’s oceans.

Guterres noted that despite repeated scientific warnings, fewer than one-third of countries have submitted sufficient climate action plans. Existing commitments would only reduce emissions by around 10%, far short of the 60% reduction needed to stay within the 1.5°C limit. He urged world leaders to “change course” at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, calling for the rapid phaseout of fossil fuels and greater inclusion of Indigenous communities in climate decision-making.

Brazil’s newly announced Tropical Forests Forever Facility aims to raise US$125 billion to protect existing rainforests, with one-fifth of the funds going directly to Indigenous communities.

Guterres also appealed for leaders to draw on Indigenous wisdom to achieve harmony with nature, warning that without a drastic shift, the world risks a future of “survival competition” in which only wealthy nations and corporations can shield themselves from climate disasters, deepening global inequality.