'Era of global warming ends, era of global boiling has arrived' says UN Chief | Latest News | WION

Summary

UN Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez warns of a new era of 'global boiling' as unprecedented high temperatures and wildfires sweep across the globe. The U.S. faces intensifying heat waves affecting millions, while Greece, Syria, and Spain struggle with wildfires. Scientists confirm July as the hottest month on record, urging immediate action. Despite the need for a 50% reduction in fossil fuel burning within 7-8 years, political challenges and industry lobbying pose significant barriers to addressing climate change effectively.

Takeaways

• 🌡️ The world is experiencing unprecedented high temperatures, causing significant global concern.
• 🏞️ Tourists are fleeing from Greece due to raging wildfires, highlighting the immediate impact of climate change.
• ⚠️ U.N. Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez has warned that the era of global warming has ended, and the era of global boiling has arrived.
• 🌍 Nations globally are scrambling to combat heat waves and wildfires, indicating a widespread crisis.
• 🇺🇸 In the United States, an intensifying heat wave has prompted warnings to around 118 million Americans, with temperatures forecasted to reach as high as 38 degrees Celsius.
• 🔥 U.S. President Joe Biden has recognized climate change as an existential threat, acknowledging the crisis faced by cities.
• 🌳 Syria and Turkey are battling wildfires, with significant damage to cropland and tourist properties.
• 🏠 In Greece, acres of land have been scorched, and over 100 houses and businesses have been severely damaged.
• 🔥 In Spain's Grand Canary Islands, rapidly spreading wildfires have led to evacuations and road closures.
• 📊 Scientists have confirmed that July is the hottest month on record, with the top 21 hottest days occurring this month.
• 🌿 The former chairman of the Norwegian Rainforest Foundation suggests that reducing fossil fuel burning by 50% within 7-8 years is crucial to control warming.

Q & A

What is the current global climate situation as described in the transcript?

The global climate situation is dire, with unprecedented high temperatures, raging wildfires, and warnings from the U.N. Secretary General about the era of global boiling having arrived.

What specific warning has U.N. Secretary General Antonio Gutierrez issued regarding the climate?

Antonio Gutierrez has warned that the era of global warming has ended and the era of global boiling has arrived, with unbreathable air and unbearable heat.

How are the United States and Greece dealing with the heat waves and wildfires?

The United States is experiencing intensifying heat waves, prompting warnings to millions of Americans, while Greece is struggling with wildfires that have damaged acres of land and over 100 houses and businesses.

What is the U.S. President Joe Biden's stance on climate change as mentioned in the transcript?

President Joe Biden has called climate change an existential threat and is discussing steps to help communities prepare, plan, and recover from the crisis.

What is happening in West Asia regarding wildfires and their impact?

In West Asia, Syria is battling wildfires that have turned acres of crop produce to ash, while in Turkey, firefighters are trying to control fires that could endanger prime tourist properties.

How has the heat wave affected European countries and their activities?

European countries are struggling to maintain normal activities as temperatures continue to rise, with acres of land scorched and the risk of fresh wildfires and escalating heat.

What is the situation in Spain's Grand Canary Islands due to wildfires?

A rapidly spreading wildfire in Spain's Grand Canary Islands has forced local authorities to evacuate villages, shut down roads, and deploy helicopters to contain the fires.

What record has July 2024 set in terms of global temperature?

July 2024 has been confirmed as the hottest month on record, with the top 21 hottest days in terms of global mean temperature all occurring in this month.

What does the former chairman of the Norwegian Rainforest Foundation suggest needs to be done to control global warming?

He suggests that within seven to eight years, the world needs to reduce fossil fuel burning by 50 percent, which he acknowledges is unlikely due to the strong influence of the fossil fuel industry.

What is the outlook for the upcoming research summit in Dubai according to the transcript?

The outlook is pessimistic, as the summit is unlikely to result in an agreement on phasing out fossil fuels due to the strong lobbying power of the fossil fuel industry.

What are the potential long-term consequences of not addressing climate change as described in the transcript?

The potential long-term consequences include a very difficult Earth for future generations, with severe environmental damage and challenges that may be very tough to overcome.