United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is facing a growing climate catastrophe, calling for immediate and drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to prevent the worst effects of global warming.

Guterres issued the warning on Friday, November 13, 2026, during a news conference at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

He expressed concern that countries are moving too slowly in fulfilling their climate commitments, despite increasing evidence of rising global temperatures, extreme weather conditions and environmental destruction.According to the UN chief, global emissions must decline by approximately six per cent annually over the coming years to limit the extent and duration of global warming beyond the 1.5°C threshold established under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

He warned that existing national climate commitments could put the world on course for approximately 2.5°C of warming by the end of the century, describing the situation as a recipe for catastrophe.According to the UN chief, global emissions must decline by approximately six per cent annually over the coming years to limit the extent and duration of global warming beyond the 1.5°C threshold established under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

He warned that existing national climate commitments could put the world on course for approximately 2.5°C of warming by the end of the century, describing the situation as a recipe for catastrophe.According to the UN chief, global emissions must decline by approximately six per cent annually over the coming years to limit the extent and duration of global warming beyond the 1.5°C threshold established under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

He warned that existing national climate commitments could put the world on course for approximately 2.5°C of warming by the end of the century, describing the situation as a recipe for catastrophe.According to the UN chief, global emissions must decline by approximately six per cent annually over the coming years to limit the extent and duration of global warming beyond the 1.5°C threshold established under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

He warned that existing national climate commitments could put the world on course for approximately 2.5°C of warming by the end of the century, describing the situation as a recipe for catastrophe.According to the UN chief, global emissions must decline by approximately six per cent annually over the coming years to limit the extent and duration of global warming beyond the 1.5°C threshold established under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

He warned that existing national climate commitments could put the world on course for approximately 2.5°C of warming by the end of the century, describing the situation as a recipe for catastrophe.Guterres also called for a faster and fairer transition away from fossil fuels, including coal, oil and gas, while urging governments to accelerate investments in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

He stressed that climate change is not only an environmental challenge but also a threat to global security, economic stability, food supplies and human livelihoods.The UN Secretary-General further urged developed countries to honour their financial commitments to developing nations, particularly vulnerable countries struggling to cope with climate-related disasters.

He maintained that poorer nations should receive adequate financial and technological support to strengthen their climate resilience and transition towards cleaner energy.The COP31 summit, taking place from November 9 to 20 in Türkiye, has brought together world leaders, policymakers, environmental organisations and climate experts to discuss urgent measures to address the global climate crisis.

Guterres called on world leaders, particularly major greenhouse gas emitters, to move beyond promises and take concrete action before the consequences become even more severe.