Antonio Guterres calls for the elimination of fossil fuels and denounces the oil lobby at COP31 in Antalya

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Wednesday at COP31 in Antalya for the elimination of fossil fuels, warning that lobbying groups are delaying measures to tackle climate change. The speech took place during a meeting dedicated to heads of state and government, organized by Türkiye and Australia.

Guterres, who is attending a COP conference for the last time, said that the truth is that “the climate crisis is overwhelming us.” He compared fossil fuels to dinosaurs and argued that they must disappear, accusing the industry of distorting science, delaying decisions and evading responsibility.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that nature is paying a heavy price because of armed conflicts. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in turn, denounced the fact that climate change had been eclipsed in world leaders’ speeches by issues such as weapons and tariffs.

The meeting is taking place after a year marked by floods and extreme heatwaves. The absence of several leaders, including Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron and representatives of Germany and Italy, drew criticism from environmental organizations. China is represented by Vice President Han Zheng.

At COP28, held in Dubai in 2023, nearly 200 countries agreed to begin the transition toward economies free of fossil fuels. Implementation of the commitment has nevertheless stalled amid opposition from producing states and global dependence on oil, gas and coal.