Guterres also regretted that some countries were “hindering progress” and “missing an opportunity to demonstrate global leadership and solidarity.”
He did not name these countries, but the media reported that China, India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia were among those refusing to agree to stronger language in the GST agreement.
On the other hand, some experts and world leaders welcomed the GST agreement as a crucial and realistic step forward.
They acknowledged that the agreement is not perfect but stressed that it reflects a hard-won global consensus and provides impetus for greater climate action in the future.
One supporter of the GST agreement is John Kerry, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, who stated that the agreement sends “a clear signal to the world that we must move faster and go further in reducing emissions.”
He also mentioned that the agreement “paves the way for a fair and inclusive energy transition that will create jobs, improve health, and enhance resilience.”
The GST agreement is not the end of the global fight against climate change but rather the beginning of a new phase. The challenges facing the world remain significant and complex, requiring cooperation, commitment, and action from all parties.
Will we be able to leave fossil fuels behind and transition to clean and renewable energy sources? Only time will tell.
