Environment & Climate
Outgoing UN chief sharply criticizes oil companies over climate damage
The Guardian reports that António Guterres urged major polluters to pay for environmental restoration.
The short version
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres told delegates at the UN that major oil polluters treated the atmosphere as an open sewer.[The Guardian]
- Guterres argued that top polluters and profiteers must contribute significantly more toward fixing climate damage.[The Guardian]
- The speech comes amid reports of widespread political and corporate hesitation to publicly emphasize climate issues.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- António Guterres spoke at the UN on Tuesday, asserting that top fossil fuel polluters used the atmosphere like an open sewer.[The Guardian]
- Guterres stated that entities profiting and polluting the most must pay to address climate damages.[The Guardian]
- Panama's environment minister, Juan Carlos Navarro, criticized the lack of concrete action and is promoting a universal declaration of the rights of nature.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain whether world leaders gathered at the UN General Assembly will commit to major new emission reduction targets.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Outgoing UN chief says polluters have treated atmosphere like an ‘open sewer’The Guardian - Environment