UN chief calls for green response to coronavirus



United Nation’s chief António Guterres has called on governments to pursue a ‘‘green recovery’’ in response to the coronavirus pandemic, in a message for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22.

“On this Earth Day, all eyes are on the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest test the world has faced since the Second World War,” said Guterres. “But there is another, even deeper emergency, the planet’s unfolding environmental crisis.”

The UN chief called for a collective action to protect the planet from both crises, outlining a list of climate-related guidelines to shape the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

The COVID-19 crisis is an unprecedented wake-up call, he noted. “We need to turn the recovery into a real opportunity to do things right for the future.”

Guterres urged governments to use their economic responses to the coronavirus pandemic to deliver new green jobs and achieve sustainable growth and to drive a shift from “the grey to green” economy.

“Where taxpayers’ money is used to rescue businesses, it needs to be tied to achieving green jobs and sustainable growth,” he said.

“Public funds should be used to invest in sustainable sectors and projects that help the environment.”

The UN chief also pointed out the need to stop subsiding fossil fuels and to make polluters start paying for their pollution.

“Climate risks and opportunities must be incorporated into the financial system as well as all aspects of public policymaking and infrastructure,” he added and urged leaders to work together as an international community, noting that “greenhouse gases, just like viruses, do not respect national boundaries.”

LO MÁS LEÍDO

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