Cabo Verde Prime Minister calls for climate justice at UN

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Cabo Verdean Prime Minister Francisco Carvalho called for global mobilization to address the climate crisis, framing it as a matter of justice. He emphasized that for small island states, climate change is a concrete daily reality rather than a distant threat, citing issues such as droughts, desertification, water scarcity, ocean acidification, and rising sea levels.

Carvalho highlighted recent local impacts, noting that tropical storm Gonzalo caused flooding, power outages, and fallen trees across the archipelago, with rising waters flooding streets on Sal Island. He argued that those who have contributed least to the crisis should not suffer its most severe consequences.

In a notable coincidence of diplomatic presence, three Portuguese figures also addressed the UN podium: Secretary-General António Guterres, European Council President António Costa, and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. Their speeches collectively touched upon themes of war, inequality, climate change, and the impact of technology.