Guterres Urges Swift Action on Climate Overshoot, Financing Africa

ADDIS ABABA, February 14, 2026 (ENA) —United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has warned that the planet will exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature limit, urging major emitters to act swiftly while calling for scaled up climate finance to support Africa.

“The science is unequivocal. The planet will overshoot the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit,” he said. “Our common task is to make that overshoot as small, short and safe as possible.”

He noted that the G20 accounts for nearly 80 percent of global emissions and must deliver substantial reductions this decade.  

At the same time, he said Africa holds enormous clean energy potential, with 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources, yet receives only 2 percent of global clean energy investment.

After contributing almost nothing to global emissions, Africa is experiencing faster than average warming, he said, stressing that adaptation must be treated as a priority.

Guterres called on developed countries to triple adaptation finance and mobilize 1.3 trillion US dollars annually for developing countries by 2035.  

He also urged scaling up the Loss and Damage Fund, accelerating a just transition from fossil fuels to renewables, expanding early warning systems and ensuring African countries benefit fully from their critical minerals.

“No more exploitation, no more plundering. The people of Africa must benefit from the resources of Africa,” he declared.

He concluded by reaffirming that strengthening partnership with Africa on climate, peace and development will remain central to the United Nations’ mission in the years ahead.