Fears mount that next UN chief will downgrade climate action
Experts say some of António Guterres’s possible successors could be ‘disastrous’ for efforts to tackle crisis
TL;DR
- Experts fear the next UN secretary general will reduce the priority of the climate crisis.
- Current Secretary-General António Guterres has been a strong advocate for climate action, confronting vested interests.
- Several likely successors have shown less enthusiasm for tackling the climate crisis.
- Candidates like Rafael Grossi, Macky Sall, and Olara Otunnu have raised concerns due to their links or potential conflicts with fossil fuel interests.
- Other candidates, such as Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Rebeca Grynspan, Michelle Bachelet, and María Fernanda Espinosa, have stronger climate records.
- There is a perceived gender gap, with female candidates generally having stronger climate credentials.
- Experts stress the importance of continuing Guterres's strong stance on climate, including tackling fossil fuel interests and methane emissions.
- Climate finance for developing countries and the regulation of AI's impact on emissions are also identified as key priorities.