The world’s wealthiest nations are jeopardizing our future by driving a surge in fossil fuel activities that exacerbate heatwaves and other climate impacts endangering billions, warned António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General.
On Thursday, Guterres urged countries to combat the global “addiction” to coal, oil, and gas, emphasizing that recent record-high temperatures should motivate wealthy nations to lead the transition away from fossil fuels.
He called on these nations to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, halt new coal projects, and assist vulnerable developing countries facing climate impacts like heatwaves, flooding, and droughts. “Leaders must wake up and take action,” Guterres stated.
The UN’s top official also urged governments to expand access to low-carbon cooling, redesign cities to handle extreme heat, protect vulnerable populations—including outdoor workers, pregnant women, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals—and develop early-warning systems for deadly heatwaves.
