United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on world leaders' urgent and decisive action to confront the escalating climate crisis, at the 31st Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey.

In his address on 11 November 2026, Guterres warned that the climate crisis is outrunning the world, citing record global emissions, rising temperatures and increasingly destructive climate disasters. 

"We need an extraordinary acceleration of our climate action efforts. Our planet is heating up, the clock is winding down. It's a make or break time," he said.

The UN chief called for an accelerated transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, criticising industry lobbying that continues to delay meaningful climate action. "Fossil fuels must go the way of the dinosaurs, but that won't happen on its own. It's time to kick the habit and end the fossil-fuel addiction," he added.

Guterres also highlighted the growing gap between climate ambitions and actual progress. He stressed that global emissions must fall by approximately six per cent annually, warning that existing national climate plans remain insufficient to keep global warming within safe limits.

On Climate Justice, he urged developed nations to honour their climate financing commitments and support developing countries through affordable finance, technology transfer and adaptation programmes.

"We need a new Climate Justice Compact based on shared responsibility, shared security and shared benefits. The principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must apply, and all countries must do their part."

He further advocated increased investment in early warning systems, protection of vulnerable communities and financial support for countries experiencing climate-related loss and damage.

Guterres urged world leaders to choose cooperation over political divisions, emphasizing that COP31 must translate promises into measurable action.