Guterres Urges Significant Emission Reductions Amidst Hottest Period

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged all parties to significantly reduce emissions amidst the hottest period in history observed worldwide over the last 11 years. “The last eleven years have been recorded as the hottest period in history,” he stated in an online speech released to commemorate World Environment Day 2026, Friday (5/6).

He noted that environmental damage is not limited to rising global temperatures but also includes air pollution, land degradation, ecosystem destruction, and the loss of biodiversity. These damages threaten health, destroy habitats, and exacerbate the hunger crisis. The world is currently on a trajectory towards a temporary temperature spike that exceeds the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, he said.

Every small increase in temperature, he warned, will bring greater adverse impacts, particularly for the most vulnerable. Guterting reminded all parties of their duty to ensure that such temperature spikes are as small, as short-lived, and as safe as possible, and to immediately return the Earth’s temperature to levels safe for life. “To achieve this, we must reduce emissions significantly,” he said.

Guterres also encouraged an accelerated and just transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy as the only sustainable way to curb costs and achieve genuine energy security. He further urged the reduction of methane emissions as one of the fastest and cheapest ways to limit global warming in the short term, while protecting the preservation of forests, land, and oceans.

Furthermore, Guterres urged developed nations to assist communities in adapting to the adverse impacts that have already occurred. “And that means fulfilling climate finance promises to developing nations: to save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen economies. It is time to act, for our environment and our shared future,” concluded Guterres.