UN chief warns world is unprepared for worsening climate change impacts

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned that the world is unprepared for the worsening impacts of climate change. He highlighted that global adaptation efforts, such as building sea walls and drought-resistant crops, are lagging behind the increasing frequency of climate disasters. In 2022, developing countries received only $28 billion for climate adaptation, far below the estimated $215 billion to $387 billion needed annually. Rich nations are under pressure to increase their climate funding commitments at the upcoming COP29 summit, but significant new pledges are not expected. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that climate disasters are affecting communities worldwide. He noted that the impacts of climate change are no longer confined to the poorest nations, affecting all countries and communities.