If countries continue to rely on fossil fuels and nations replace Russian oil, gas and coal with their own dirty energy, it will make matters worse.
The ambitious promises world leaders made last year at a climate summit in Glasgow were optimistic. The goal of limiting the average global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century is not realistic. Scientists say the likelihood of catastrophic impacts increases significantly beyond the threshold. The planet has warmed by an average of 1.1 degrees.
The pollution that is heating the planet is increasing. He said that global emissions will rise by 14 percent in the 2020s.
The 1.5 degree goal is on life support. It is in intensive care, according to Mr. Guterres.
He said that we are sleepwalking to climate catastrophe. 2 degrees is not out of reach. That would be a disaster.
The European Union is trying to find ways to reduce its dependence on Russian oil and gas, while countries like the United States are scrambling to increase fossil fuel production. The long-term vision of shifting to wind, solar and other renewable sources that do not produce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions will not be affected by the short-term needs of the European leaders.
The goal of rapid reduction of fossil fuel burning is at risk, according to the U.N. secretary general. Scientists say that the planet needs to be kept at safe levels.
In Glasgow in November world leaders promised to stave off climate change and, for the first time, planned to phase down coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel. The leaders of 100 countries have pledged to stop the destruction of trees by the year 2030. Methane emissions will be cut by 30 percent by the United States, Europe and 100 other nations. Oil and gas operations produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Mr. Guterres said that there had been almost no progress. Rich countries have not met their obligation to help the poor by high inflation, rising interest rates and debt, as well as developing clean energy.
He warned that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is upending global energy markets and undermines climate goals.
As major economies pursue a strategy to replace Russian fossil fuels, short-term measures might create long-term fossil fuel dependence and close the window to 1.5 degrees.
He warned that countries could become so focused on the immediate need to fill the oil, gas and coal gap that they neglect or kneecap policies to cut fossil fuel use.
He saidAddiction to fossil fuels is mutually assured destruction.
The International Energy Agency warned last week that the world faced its first global energy crisis and recommended that major economies conserve energy by implementing 10 strategies.
Mr. Guterres said wealthy nations should phase out coal infrastructure completely by the year 2030. He called for a halt to new oil and gas exploration. Private sector financing for coal must end.
He said that support for coal could cost the world its climate goals.
The American Petroleum Institute, which represents oil and gas companies, said in a statement that the industry can responsibly develop America's vast resources while at the same time reducing emissions to address climate change.
President Biden promised a rapid clean energy transition in the United States, but it has not started yet. The Build Back Better Act is stuck in Congress. His plans to stop new oil and gas leasing have been challenged in the courts.
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