UN Green Climate Fund warns of urgent need for climate action

Mafalda Duarte, Director of the UN Green Climate Fund, has called for urgent political action following deadly floods on the border of Nepal and China, as well as recent wildfires in Europe. Speaking at the Pacific Islands Leaders Summit in Palau, Duarte warned that extreme weather events are no longer exclusive to developing nations but are occurring globally.

Duarte expressed concern that climate change is slipping down the global priority list as conflicts and economic shocks dominate international agendas. She noted that while funding is often mobilized for immediate emergencies when political will exists, a similar level of responsiveness is lacking for climate mitigation and adaptation.

The warnings come as Pacific Island governments expressed disappointment regarding a UN report suggesting the global goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius will not be met. Regional leaders continue to view climate change as the primary threat to their national security.