Fears mount that next UN chief will downgrade climate action

Climate and civil‑society experts warn that the successor to António Guterres could diminish the United Nations’ focus on the climate crisis. The summary notes that some potential candidates are described as possibly “disastrous” for ongoing efforts to address global warming. Guterres himself is highlighted as the most outspoken UN secretary‑general on climate issues, having labeled fossil‑fuel companies “the godfathers of climate chaos” and warned governments they are racing down a “highway to hell” by failing to curb greenhouse‑gas emissions. The concern expressed by experts is that a change in leadership may shift priority away from these urgent challenges. The piece ends with a sober reminder that the next appointment could reshape the UN’s climate agenda. What to watch: the selection process for the next UN secretary‑general and its impact on climate policy.

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This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Guardian Environment