UN Secretary-General says fossil fuels are the main driver of the climate crisis

UN (ANTARA) - Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres on Wednesday (20 May) said that fossil fuels are the main driver of the climate crisis. ‘The path to climate justice lies in a rapid, just, and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy,’ Guterres said in a statement regarding the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a resolution on the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice concerning States’ obligations in addressing climate change. Welcoming the adoption of the resolution, Guterres said the move represents a strong affirmation of international law, climate justice, science, and state responsibility to protect communities from the worsening climate crisis. ‘Those who contribute least to climate change are often the ones hit hardest by its impacts. That injustice must be ended,’ he said. The task ahead is clear — to keep the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach and to build a safer, fairer, and more resilient future for all,’ Guterres said. He emphasised that renewable energy has proven to be the cheapest and safest form of energy supply. Earlier on Wednesday, the UN General Assembly adopted a draft resolution welcoming the ICJ’s advisory opinion on States’ obligations relating to climate change through a recorded vote, with 141 in favour, eight against, and 28 abstentions. The resolution welcomes ICJ’s advisory opinion of July 2025 on States’ obligations relating to climate change, emphasising the importance of the court’s opinion as an authoritative contribution to clarifying the applicable international law. The resolution also calls on all countries to comply with their respective obligations under international law to ensure protection of the climate system and other environmental components from greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity, as identified by the court.