United Nations: Expressing concern over changes in the weather patterns leading to severe heat waves across the world, UN Chief Antonio Guterras has called on global leaders to come up with concrete plans and strategies for carbon neutrality by 2050 and not "beautiful speeches." Addressing reporters at the UN headquarters on Thursday, the Secretary-General underscored the urgent need for the international community to work collectively on climate change ahead of the upcoming high-level Climate Action Summit here on September 23.

The summit will be preceded by a Youth Climate Summit on September 21. I have told leaders, from governments, businesses and civil society, that the ticket to entry is bold action and much greater ambition. I am telling leaders don't come to the Summit with beautiful speeches. Come with concrete plans - clear steps to enhance nationally determined contributions by 2020 and strategies for carbon neutrality by 2050, he said. Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing emissions with carbon removal. According to the latest data from the World Meteorological Organization and its climate centre, the month of July at least equalled if not surpassed the hottest month in recorded history, Guterres said.