UN chief raps fossil fuel firms for climate emergency; seeks accountability from G-20

UN Secretary General Antonio Gueterres on Tuesday raised concerns over a waging climate emergency calling it another battle after the ongoing war in Ukraine.

He said the climate crisis is the defining issue of our times, and nations must end the suicidal war against nature.

Speaking at the opening of the General Assembly's annual high-level meeting, the UN chief assessed that "nations are gridlocked in colossal global dysfunction" and aren't ready or willing to tackle the challenges that threaten humanity's future — and the planet's.

Guterres also pointed that climate change is a case study in moral and economic injustice as he urged nations to priortize it.

“The climate crisis is the defining issue of our time. It must be the first priority of every government and multilateral organisation. And yet climate action is being put on the back burner - despite overwhelming public support around the world,” he said.

The G20 emits 80 per cent of all greenhouse gas emissions. But the poorest and most vulnerable - those who contributed least to this crisis - are bearing its most brutal impacts, the UN chief said.

His concerns over climate change have emerged after his recent visit to the flood-affected Pakistan, which has blamed the first-world nations for the spiralling weather disasters. The nation also sought compensation from the developed world owing to their contribution to green house gases' emissions.

Besides climate emergency, Gueterres also cited the war in Ukraine, multiple conflicts around the world and the dire financial situation of developing countries.

(With inputs from AP and PTI)

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