UN Chief Calls for 'Fight' Against Climate Disinformation
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges global action to combat climate misinformation, emphasizing the importance of clear-eyed climate science and data.
UN chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for a concerted effort against climate disinformation ahead of next month’s COP30 summit.
This call comes in response to US President Donald Trump's previous remarks branding climate change the 'greatest con job ever.'
Guterres issued a strong defense of climate science, stating that without accurate data, the world would not have recognized the threat posed by climate change.
He urged the global community to combat misinformation and online harassment, advocating for scientists' freedom to speak truthfully about climate issues.
The UN Secretary-General’s comments were a clear counterpoint to Trump's recent speech at the United Nations, where the President championed fossil fuels and dismissed green technologies.
Trump referred to climate change as 'the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,' while also stating that the carbon footprint is a hoax and criticizing renewable energy sources.
Despite these challenges, Guterres highlighted advancements in the renewable energy sector, noting that most new power capacity now comes from renewables, which he deems the cheapest, fastest, and smartest source of energy.
He emphasized the urgent need to transition towards renewable technologies as the most viable way to address climate issues.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), marking its 75th anniversary this year, is spearheading efforts for all countries to have extreme weather early warning systems in place by 2027.
Guterres warned that global warming is pushing the planet to the brink, with every year since 2010 setting a new record high temperature.
He underscored that no country is immune to climate-related disasters such as fires, floods, storms, and heatwaves.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized the disproportionate impact of these disasters on the poorest and most vulnerable countries, particularly small island developing states and least developed nations.
The COP30 summit will take place in Belem, Brazil, from November 10-21, where countries are expected to present bold new national climate action plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Guterres stressed the need for these plans to include commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade.
He urged nations to demonstrate greater ambition in addressing the climate crisis.
This call comes in response to US President Donald Trump's previous remarks branding climate change the 'greatest con job ever.'
Guterres issued a strong defense of climate science, stating that without accurate data, the world would not have recognized the threat posed by climate change.
He urged the global community to combat misinformation and online harassment, advocating for scientists' freedom to speak truthfully about climate issues.
The UN Secretary-General’s comments were a clear counterpoint to Trump's recent speech at the United Nations, where the President championed fossil fuels and dismissed green technologies.
Trump referred to climate change as 'the greatest con job ever perpetrated on the world,' while also stating that the carbon footprint is a hoax and criticizing renewable energy sources.
Despite these challenges, Guterres highlighted advancements in the renewable energy sector, noting that most new power capacity now comes from renewables, which he deems the cheapest, fastest, and smartest source of energy.
He emphasized the urgent need to transition towards renewable technologies as the most viable way to address climate issues.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), marking its 75th anniversary this year, is spearheading efforts for all countries to have extreme weather early warning systems in place by 2027.
Guterres warned that global warming is pushing the planet to the brink, with every year since 2010 setting a new record high temperature.
He underscored that no country is immune to climate-related disasters such as fires, floods, storms, and heatwaves.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized the disproportionate impact of these disasters on the poorest and most vulnerable countries, particularly small island developing states and least developed nations.
The COP30 summit will take place in Belem, Brazil, from November 10-21, where countries are expected to present bold new national climate action plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Guterres stressed the need for these plans to include commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade.
He urged nations to demonstrate greater ambition in addressing the climate crisis.
