Outgoing United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the climate crisis is intensifying faster and with wider consequences than many leaders anticipated.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Guterres said fossil fuel polluters had treated the atmosphere as an “open sewer” and called for those responsible for the greatest pollution and profits to do more to address the damage.
Guterres urged governments to adopt national plans for transitioning away from fossil fuels, aligned with the 1.5C temperature goal, with clear timelines and protections for affected workers and communities. The UN says he also called for developed countries to increase adaptation finance and for stronger action on climate resilience.
The UN chief pointed to accelerating glacier melt and recent climate-related disasters as evidence of the growing risks. He said the impacts were arriving sooner, hitting harder and spreading further than many had anticipated.
His warning comes as leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly and a high-level climate summit focused on accelerating the energy transition, climate finance and adaptation. The UN says the 2026 climate summit is intended to strengthen cooperation between major economies, developing countries, vulnerable nations and energy producers and consumers.
Guterres has made climate action a major part of his nine-year tenure as secretary-general. His term is due to end this year.
The UN has also highlighted the continuing growth of renewable energy, while Guterres warned that the transition away from fossil fuels needs to be managed in a way that protects workers and communities.
Australia By Aussie has previously reported on research examining the distribution of benefits from the global move towards net zero, including concerns that poorer nations could wait longer to see major gains.
Source: The Guardian
