The UN General Assembly sounds the alarm: Our Planet is in Danger

At the close of the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly, the President of the General Assembly, Dennis Francis, launched an urgent appeal to tackle the climate crisis. He said that "our planet is under siege" and that the effects of climate change were becoming increasingly visible.

Climate action, according to Mr Francis, means preserving the Earth's natural resources, protecting biodiversity and ensuring equitable access to clean air and water for all. He also stressed the need to reduce our carbon footprint, help vulnerable communities build resilience and adopt measures that reflect countries' true vulnerability to climate shocks.

Mr Francis stressed that tackling the climate crisis is a moral, scientific and social imperative. He urged Member States to approach the next Conference of the Parties on climate change (COP28) in a spirit of unity and solidarity.

Beyond the climate, Mr Francis stressed that the existential challenges we face, whether in terms of conflict, poverty, justice, peace or the creation of solid institutions, have a high human and social cost. He called for a deeper commitment to international cooperation and the creation of a sustainable world for all.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed also noted the collective determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. She stressed the importance of resources in achieving these goals, highlighting the debt burden that hinders the ability of many countries to finance essential services such as education and health.

In conclusion, the international community recognises the urgency of the climate crisis and is committed to fighting collectively for a sustainable future. However, persistent challenges remain, particularly with regard to the financing of sustainable development objectives.

Image 🖼: Dennis Francis, President of the seventy-eighth session of the General Assembly, briefs reporters on the outcome of the high-level debate of the 78th session of the General Assembly (UNGA78). (UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe)