António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, issued a warning about the global chaos caused by pollution, extinction of species, ecosystems, and greenhouse gases. This warning came on International Planet Day, where Guterres emphasized that humanity acts as the delinquent son of Mother Earth. He highlighted the harmful actions that are damaging nature and humanity, endangering food production, polluting the oceans and air, creating a more dangerous environment, and slowing down sustainable development.
Guterres called for a restoration of harmony with nature by adopting sustainable production and consumption practices and protecting it from harm. He urged nations to develop new climate plans that limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Additionally, he called for support for indigenous peoples, communities, and other groups most affected by climate and biodiversity crises. He stressed the importance of providing climate justice to countries on the front lines and mobilizing financial resources to protect nature and promote sustainable development.
The Secretary-General also called on the G20 to lead a swift, fair, and financed global elimination of fossil fuels and to end subsidies that harm nature such as those supporting uncontrolled plastic production. He concluded by stating that repairing relationships with Mother Earth is essential in addressing all of humanity’s challenges and emphasized the need for immediate action to create a better future for everyone.