The Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres, made a strong statement at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He spoke about the “backtracking of climate commitments” by the world.
The global political and business elite, currently gathered in Switzerland, heard a forceful speech from the organization’s leader on Wednesday.
He criticized the lack of multilateral collaboration in “an increasingly adrift world“, threatened by two existential dangers. He mentioned climate change and unregulated artificial intelligence (AI) as imminent threats.
“Backtracking of climate commitments”: UN’s denouncement in Davos
The speech took place at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, the event held in the Swiss Alps where leaders, heads of state, and CEOs of some of the world’s largest and most influential companies gather.
UN’s leader denouncing climate policies.
Guterres referred to this year’s meeting theme, “Stakeholder Capitalism: Building a Sustainable Future”, and stated that there is barely any evidence of collaboration or intelligence.
In contrast, he mentioned abundant signs of the worsening of many of the world’s problems, from conflicts to inequality and human rights violations.
Nuclear war is no longer the only existential threat to humanity, he stated, pointing out the climate crisis and the “uncontrolled expansion” of artificial intelligence (AI).
The “Frankenstein monster”
Comparing the addiction to fossil fuels to the Frankenstein monster, “that spared nothing and no one,” the Secretary-General pointed out the irony that 13 of the world’s largest supertanker ports are about to be overwhelmed by rising sea levels.
This is due to the increase in temperatures caused by these same fuels.
He also described the decision of several financial institutions and industries to backtrack on their climate commitments as “short-sighted and, paradoxically, selfish and counterproductive.”
On the wrong side
“They are on the wrong side of history. They are on the wrong side of science,” he pointed out. “And they are on the wrong side of consumers seeking more sustainability, not less,” Guterres added.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
Looking ahead to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), to be held in Brazil later this year, the Secretary-General also reminded world leaders that they must fulfill their promise to develop new national climate action plans for the entire economy well before the meeting.
Developing countries need a “surge of funding,” he emphasized, for climate action. Therefore, he urged not only governments but all companies and financial institutions to create solid and responsible transition plans.
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