UN Chief Warns of Climate Crisis, Urges Global Action on Extreme Weather and Methane

UN Chief Warns of Climate Crisis, Urges Global Action on Extreme Weather and Methane
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that global warming is pushing the planet toward critical thresholds, urging countries to strengthen disaster warning systems and climate action.

Speaking at a conference in Switzerland marking the 75th anniversary of the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Guterres highlighted rising temperatures, record ocean heat, and increasing fires, floods, storms, and heatwaves worldwide.

He emphasized the importance of early warning systems, noting that alerts issued 24 hours before hazardous events can reduce damage by up to 30%. Since 2022, over 60% of countries have implemented multi-hazard early warning systems, part of Guterres’ initiative for universal coverage by 2027.

He stressed that developing nations face barriers to investment in these systems due to slow economic growth and high debt, and called for a COP30 agreement in Brazil next month to unlock more than €1 trillion annually in climate finance by 2035.

Guterres also urged nations to submit ambitious plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade and limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Separately, the UN’s International Methane Emissions Observatory reported limited progress in addressing methane leaks from the oil and gas sector, noting a 12% response rate to alerts this year compared with 1% previously.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, offers a rapid opportunity to curb climate warming if emissions are reduced. UN officials warned that action on methane and broader climate measures remains too slow. The observatory plans to expand monitoring to other major sources, including steel production, waste, and agriculture, to accelerate global emissions reductions and meet international climate commitments.