UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning to the world’s leaders, including President Joe Biden, stating that the continued production and use of fossil fuels is a “death sentence” for the planet. In a video message for the White House virtual climate summit, Guterres criticized the policies of the richest countries, including the US, for expanding oil and gas drilling and other emissions-inducing activities.
The UN chief argued that the science is clear: new fossil fuel projects are incompatible with keeping global warming within the limits set by the 2015 Paris climate accord. Current national policies are taking the world to a level nearly twice as high as the agreed-upon limits, according to Guterres. He urged world leaders to change course and shift away from fossil fuels.
Guterres’ comments come as the US and other countries are increasing oil and gas production in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and rising gas prices. The US Energy Information Administration projects the country will pump a record 12.4 million barrels of crude oil a day this year and top that with 12.8 million barrels a day next year.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (Via Antonio Guterres/Twitter)
President Biden’s administration has faced criticism for approving new oil and gas projects, including the Willow drilling project in Alaska. Despite this, Biden trumpeted his administration’s climate efforts and announced a billion dollars in new climate finance for developing nations during the summit.
Guterres emphasized the need for global collaboration and action to address climate change, stating that “geopolitical divisions must not torpedo the world’s climate fight.” The UN chief’s warning is a stark reminder of the urgent need for world leaders to take immediate and drastic action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
In the face of such dire warnings, the international community must come together to support clean renewable energy and develop technologies that can capture and reduce emissions from fossil fuels. The US and other nations must work together to meet the Paris accord’s goals and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
