Preserving the earth's climate. - UN sharply criticizes the fossil fuel sector.
Environmental experts and climate advocates are praising the strong rebuke of the fossil fuel industry by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Professor Timmons Roberts of the United States' Brown University stated, "Money from these companies floods every aspect of our lives, making it challenging or impossible to undertake the comprehensive climate action science demands."
The public relations tactics employed by the industry are detrimental. As Roberts explained, "PR companies, news outlets, consulting firms, law firms, and financial institutions all benefit from promoting the use of fossil fuels."
In his speech yesterday, Guterres accused the industry of purposely impeding the transition to green energy through misinformation. He called on different stakeholders to take action: Advertising agencies should no longer accept commissions from the industry, and media and tech companies should stop hosting ads from it. He even proposed government bans on petroleum industry advertisements and urged financial institutions to invest in sustainable energy instead.
Guterres highlighted that climate issues have been relegated due to crises like the ones in Ukraine, Gaza, and elsewhere. "Continued inaction on climate is playing Russian roulette with our planet," he warned. "It's critical to exit the path to a climate-ravaged future."
Timmons Roberts elaborated on the sophistication of the industry's communication strategies, which prevent climate protection and uphold the status quo. Tom Holen, co-founder of the climate advocacy group InfluenceMap, echoed the need for government intervention, stating, "We must take action to prevent these powerful forces from blocking climate protection."
Michael Khoo of the environmental organization Friends of the Earth emphasized the responsibility of tech companies, like Google, to avoid spreading disinformation on behalf of fossil fuel companies. He proposed a global ban on fossil fuel advertising.
Guterres concluded his speech by stressing the role of citizens in achieving climate change solutions. As he said, "Everyone can make a difference by voting for politicians who prioritize the climate crisis, advocating for further climate protection, and engaging in our own ways."
Three recently published climate reports demonstrated the urgent need for action. According to the IGCC study, global average temperatures have risen by 0.26°C from 2014 to 2023, compared to 0.20°C in the previous decade. The Copernicus European Climate Change Service reported record temperatures for May 2023. The World Meteorological Organization suggests an 80% likelihood that at least one of the next five years will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures. Finally, 2023 was the warmest year on record, with a temperature increase of +1.45°C compared to the period between 1850 and 1900.
Despite current disruptions from crises high on the global agenda, Guterres reiterated, "The climate crisis remains a top priority for safeguarding humanity. We must prioritize it and act before we reach the point of no return."
