In his special speech on the occasion of World Environment Day, Guterres described the current moment as decisive, and noted that climate finance ‘is not a favor.’

At a ceremony at the Museum of Natural History in New York, the UN chief called for a direct confrontation with the fossil fuel industry, which has shown a relentless zeal to hinder progress over decades.

The companies in these branches ‘have invested billions of dollars to distort the truth, deceive the public, and sow doubt,’ he denounced.

According to statistics released at the event, the oil and gas industry invested just 2.5 percent of its total capital in clean energy in 2023.

Doubling fossil fuels in the 21st century is like doubling horseshoes and carriage wheels in the 19th century’, noted the experienced diplomat who considered the energy transition essential for the survival of the planet.

Figures from the World Meteorological Organization estimate that May 2024 was the hottest May on record, marking twelve consecutive months of those with that record in history.

‘Over the last year, every turn of the calendar has pushed the temperature up; our planet is trying to tell us something. But we don’t seem to be listening,’ the UN top official said.

In this context, inequalities are more evident, according to Guterres.

While the richest one percent emits as much as two thirds of humanity, the impact of climate change has a greater effect on the poor, indigenous people or women and girls.

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