António Guterres Warns Humans are Damaging Earth’s Ecosystems and Urges Swift, Fair Action from G20 Leaders

On International Planet Day, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, issued a warning about the global chaos caused by pollution, extinction of species, ecosystems, and greenhouse gases. He emphasized that humanity acts as the delinquent son of Mother Earth. The Secretary-General 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 nature from harm. He urged governments to create jobs, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable development along this path. The Secretary-General emphasized the need to stop biodiversity loss, end pollution, and drastically reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, Guterres 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. Nations were urged to develop new climate plans that limit the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The Secretary-General also called on the G20 to lead a swift, fair