Departing UN chief calls this 'a moment of truth' in fight to curb global warming

As United Nations climate talks commence in Turkey on Monday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers a stern warning to world leaders: "This is a moment of truth." Guterres has delivered similar dire messages over the past decade, often employing increasingly alarmist language. However, this will be his final global warming sermon, as his second and final term ends at the end of the year.

The urgency is palpable in a world grappling with devastating heat waves, storms, floods, and droughts, compounded by the naturally occurring climate pattern known as El Nino. Guterres implores leaders to act now, stating, "Everybody must do more, everybody must do more now."

Guterres' message carries weight, as he has personally experienced a moment of truth regarding climate change. Last year, when preparing for a major speech, he consulted scientists and was confronted with the stark reality that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times was no longer feasible. The revelation left him deeply shaken.

Guterres attributes the global failure to limit warming to the shortcomings of political leadership, noting that many political systems lack a long-term strategic view. He cites his tenure as Portugal's prime minister in the late 1990s as an example of the possibility of investing in a greener future.

Despite the myriad of threats, Guterres remains hopeful due to the rapid decline in the cost of wind and solar power, which offer cheaper alternatives to fossil fuels. He emphasizes the security risks associated with fossil fuels, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and the increasing carbon footprint of artificial intelligence.

Guterres urges leaders to stop the "madness" and end the age of fossil fuels. He calls for taxing the windfall profits of fossil fuel companies and redirecting those funds to assist countries disproportionately affected by climate change. While acknowledging the limitations of his position as secretary-general, Guterres emphasizes the importance of collective action in the fight against climate change.