NNA - At the COP29 high-level event on delivering early warnings and addressing extreme heat, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that climate calamities have become a global norm. Speaking to delegates, he noted that 2024 was set to be the hottest year on record, with communities worldwide enduring temperatures that challenge human endurance. He underscored the importance of early warning systems and protections against extreme heat as essential investments, not luxuries.

Guterres highlighted the UN’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, launched in July, which promotes care for vulnerable populations, worker protection, resilience through science, and curbing temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees Celsius. He also pointed to the Early Warnings for All Initiative, aiming to ensure every person on Earth is protected by multi-hazard early warning systems by 2027. Despite progress, Guterres acknowledged that nearly half of all countries remain uncovered.

The UN Secretary General urged increased collaboration, technology support, and financing, particularly for vulnerable regions like small island developing states. 

Guterres finally called on COP29 attendees to maintain momentum toward achieving a new climate finance goal, underscoring that swift action is essential as the climate crisis accelerates.

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