António Guterres called on advanced economies to mobilize trillions of dollars in climate adaptation financing, warning that vulnerable nations face escalating risks from extreme weather, rising sea levels, and food insecurity. Speaking at a high level climate forum, the United Nations Secretary General stressed that current funding commitments fall far short of what is required to protect communities already experiencing severe environmental impacts.
Guterres said developing countries are disproportionately affected despite contributing least to global emissions. He emphasized the need for grants rather than loans, arguing that additional debt burdens would further destabilize fragile economies. The appeal included calls for reform of international financial institutions to accelerate disbursement of funds and expand access to concessional financing.
Representatives from small island states described mounting losses to infrastructure and livelihoods, highlighting the urgency of coastal protection and resilient agricultural systems. African and Asian delegations echoed demands for equitable burden sharing and predictable funding streams.
Several industrialized nations acknowledged the financing gap but pointed to domestic fiscal constraints and competing geopolitical pressures. Climate advocates urged governments to align public investment with private capital mobilization strategies.
The Secretary General concluded that failure to scale up adaptation finance could undermine global stability, increase displacement, and erode trust in multilateral cooperation frameworks.
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