From ‘Delinquent Son’ to Climate Action: Guterres Warns of the Urgent Need for Global Change on International Planet Day

Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, issued a warning yesterday regarding the impact of global chaos caused by pollution, species extinction, ecosystems, and greenhouse gases on International Planet Day. He likened humanity to the “delinquent son” of Mother Earth.

In his message for the commemoration, Guterres called for restoring harmony with nature and promoting sustainable production and consumption. He urged the need to create jobs, reduce poverty, and support sustainable development efforts. The Secretary General emphasized the importance of stopping biodiversity loss, pollution, and significantly reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to address the current global crisis.

Furthermore, Guterres urged support for indigenous peoples, communities, and those most impacted by climate and biodiversity crises. He called for climate justice for countries disproportionately affected and quick mobilization of necessary financing and support to protect nature and promote sustainable development. Guterres emphasized the urgency for nations to develop new climate plans limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius with the G20 taking a lead role in phasing out fossil fuels and ending nature-destructive subsidies.

In conclusion, Guterres highlighted that repairing relationships with Mother Earth is central to addressing humanity’s challenges. He emphasized the importance of taking immediate action to create a better future for all.