UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a poignant New Year’s message on December 30, 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for countries to take drastic measures to combat climate change.
He described the past decade as a “decade of deadly heat,” highlighting that the ten hottest years on record have all occurred within this period.
Guterres warned of a “climate breakdown” unfolding in real time and urged nations to “exit this road to ruin” without delay.
In his message, Guterres called for countries to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition to renewable energy sources by 2025. He stressed that this shift is not only essential but also achievable, asserting that “we must abandon this path to disaster” and that hope has been hard to find in 2024 due to ongoing global conflicts and social inequalities.
The message coincided with a warning from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) that 2024 is likely to be the warmest year on record, exacerbating concerns about climate impacts worldwide. Guterres underscored the importance of collective action, stating that every fraction of a degree of warming contributes to increased climate extremes and risks.
Looking ahead, he expressed a desire for 2025 to serve as a “new beginning” for global efforts in climate action and social justice, despite acknowledging the immense challenges faced throughout the previous year.