'The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived'
Employees are suffering from scorching heat as the world enters an era of "global boiling," warned United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres this week.
Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York City, he made the remarks as the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) confirmed that July 2023 could be the hottest month ever recorded in human history.
"The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived," Guterres said.
The findings from the WMO and the European Commission's Copernicus Climate Change Service revealed the July registered the warmest three-week period on record, the three hottest days on record, as well as the highest-ever ocean temperatures at this time of the year.
"The consequences are clear and they are tragic: children swept away by monsoon rains; families running from the flames; workers collapsing in scorching heat," Guterres said.
Call for global action
With these remarks, the UN secretary general joins the list of individuals emphasising the impact of climate change on employees.
Researchers from the University of Oxford previously suggested that the worsening climate conditions could lead to earlier shift schedules for employees so they can avoid the scorching heat.
Several nations and organisation have also been implementing various measures to ensure employees are not exposed to the rapidly heating climate.
Guterres noted that while there has been some progress towards climate action, these are not happening fast enough.
"Leaders – and particularly G20 countries responsible for 80% of global emissions – must step up for climate action and climate justice," he said.
Among other measures, Guterres called for "ambitious" new national emissions reduction targets from member of the G20.
Developed countries are also urged to reach net zero emissions as close as possible to 2040, while emerging economies as close as possible to 2050.
The UN secretary general also called for action from leaders beyond governments.
"I urge companies as well as cities, regions, and financial institutions to come to the Climate Ambition Summit with credible transition plans that are fully aligned with the United Nations' net zero standard, presented by our High-Level Expert Group," he said.
Guterres stressed the need to "accelerate climate action," as he pinned the blame on humanity for unleashing destruction.
"This must not inspire despair, but action. We can still stop the worst," he said. "But to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition."