At the opening of COP31, UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres delivered a forceful call for immediate action to curb greenhouse‑gas emissions, targeting the fossil‑fuel industry directly. He warned that the “case for fossil fuels is collapsing” and urged world leaders to move beyond vague promises and implement a concrete phase‑out of coal, oil and gas.
Guterres likened the future of fossil fuels to that of dinosaurs, stating, “Fossil fuels must go the way of the dinosaurs. And that won’t happen on its own.” He highlighted the powerful lobbying influence of the industry, contrasting it with the lack of a lobby for extinct species. “It’s time to kick the habit – and end the fossil‑fuel addiction,” he added, underscoring the urgency of decisive policy measures.
In a final, memorable remark, the Secretary‑General quipped, “It’s make or bake time,” emphasizing that nations must either accelerate their transition to clean energy or face the dire consequences of inaction. The speech was met with applause from environmental advocates, who praised Guterres for his candid stance and clear demand for stronger commitments from governments worldwide.
Source: The Guardian World
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