United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is entering a new era of extreme weather phenomena due to climate change and the approaching El Niño event. In a statement on November 9, 2026, Guterres called on leaders attending the COP31 climate conference in Turkey to take urgent and concrete actions to address these challenges. He emphasized that the planet is experiencing record-high temperatures caused by human-induced climate change and associated pollution.
Guterres stressed the need for leaders to demonstrate serious commitment by accelerating emission reductions, transitioning away from fossil fuels, and providing necessary funding and protection mechanisms for vulnerable countries. He expressed disappointment with the current state of the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, citing scientists' warnings that this target may be difficult to achieve due to continued fossil fuel emissions.
The UN Secretary-General attributed the failure to meet climate goals to a lack of political leadership and long-term strategic vision, highlighting the gap between scientific warnings and international decision-making. He also noted that global crises, such as energy market disruptions and increased consumption of water and electricity due to artificial intelligence, are adding pressure on natural resources and ecosystems.
Guterres pointed to recent floods in Nepal caused by glacial melting as an indicator of accelerating risks associated with rising temperatures. He reiterated his call for taxes on excessive profits of fossil fuel companies, with revenues directed towards supporting affected countries and enhancing their resilience to climate change impacts.
The approaching El Niño event is expected to exacerbate extreme weather phenomena, with the potential for severe consequences. Guterres emphasized that the world cannot afford further delays in addressing climate change, requiring immediate and decisive action from governments and international actors.
The COP31 climate conference in Turkey provides an opportunity for world leaders to demonstrate their commitment to addressing climate change. Guterres' statement underscores the urgent need for collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change and ensure a sustainable future.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change and El Niño, Guterres' warnings serve as a reminder of the need for cooperation and decisive action to protect the planet and its inhabitants from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events.
Key points
- António Guterres warns of a new era of extreme weather phenomena due to climate change and El Niño.
