Baku: 'This World Environment Day, warning signals are everywhere. The past eleven years have been the eleven hottest on record. And the damage goes far beyond rising temperatures - from polluted air to degraded land, collapsing ecosystems, and vanishing biodiversity. Harming health, destroying homes and deepening hunger. The world is heading for a temporary overshoot above 1.5 degrees,' The UN Secretary General Ant³nio Guterres said in a video message to participants of the event dedicated to the World Environment Day in Baku.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Guterres emphasized that every fraction of a degree of temperature rise inflicts greater harm, particularly on vulnerable populations. He outlined the urgent task of minimizing the overshoot beyond 1.5 degrees, making it as small, short, and safe as possible, and rapidly reducing temperatures thereafter.

The Secretary General detailed necessary actions, including significant emission reductions and a swift transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. He highlighted the importance of cutting methane emissions, one of the quickest and most cost-effective methods to curb near-term warming. Protecting forests, land, and seas, and aiding communities to adapt to existing environmental impacts were also emphasized as critical measures.

Guterres further stressed the need to fulfill climate finance commitments to developing countries, aiming to save lives, protect livelihoods, and bolster economies. 'This is the moment to act - for our environment and for our future,' he urged, calling for immediate and decisive action to address the environmental crisis.