Environment & Climate
Experts warn next UN leader might deprioritize global climate action
The Guardian reports that experts fear several potential successors to António Guterres may downgrade climate priorities.
The short version
- Climate and civil society experts have expressed concern that the next UN secretary general may reduce the organization's focus on the climate crisis.[The Guardian]
- Current UN Secretary General António Guterres must step down on 31 December at the conclusion of his second term.[The Guardian]
- Experts have raised specific concerns regarding candidates Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, and Olara Otunnu due to political ties or fossil fuel interests.[The Guardian]
- Diplomats and world leaders meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York are considering the succession choice.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- António Guterres is scheduled to step down as UN secretary general at the end of his second five-year term on 31 December.[The Guardian]
- Selecting the next UN leader is a primary concern among government heads convening at the UN General Assembly in New York.[The Guardian]
- Civil society and climate experts cited concerns regarding candidate Rafael Grossi's ties to Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei.[The Guardian]
- Candidates Macky Sall and Olara Otunnu face scrutiny from observers over regional fossil fuel and gas development interests in Africa.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It remains uncertain which successor will ultimately secure the backing of the US and other influential member states to replace Guterres.[The Guardian]
- Whether leading candidates would enforce binding climate constraints when facing conflicting national or development priorities is unknown.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Fears mount that next UN chief will downgrade climate actionThe Guardian - Environment