UN Chief Slams Climate Inaction: Foot-dragging and Naked Greed to Blame

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In New York, UN secretary-general António Guterres criticized world leaders for being “decades behind” in transitioning away from fossil fuels during the UN’s first climate ambition day.

Guterres stated, “We must make up time lost to foot-dragging, arm-twisting, and the naked greed of entrenched interests raking in billions from fossil fuels.” He warned that humanity had “opened the gates to hell,” with the world already on track for a 2.8C temperature rise since pre-industrial times.

The Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global average temperature rise to well under 2C and ideally 1.5C, was signed by nearly 200 countries in 2015.

Guterres called on countries that have benefited the most from fossil fuels to exert an “extra effort” in reducing emissions. He also criticized businesses and financial institutions for making “shady pledges” in their attempts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The summit featured speeches from leaders of 34 governments and seven non-government bodies, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, the World Bank president, the CEO of insurer Allianz, and the head of the UN’s Green Climate Fund.

Newsom directly attacked the fossil fuel industry, accusing major oil companies of manipulating information and deceiving the public. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU President Ursula von der Leyen were among the prominent speakers at the summit, announcing more ambitious renewable energy commitments.

Notably, China, the United States, India, Japan, and the UK government (represented by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak) did not speak at the summit. Other major polluters, such as South Korea, Australia, and Norway, were absent as well.

However, US President Joe Biden emphasized the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel dependence in his address to the UN. It should be noted that the world experienced its hottest June to August season on record, and scientists have warned of the high likelihood of global warming reaching a 1.5C rise in the near-term.

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