UN Chief Urges Faster Climate Action in Earth Day Message

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning on Wednesday, saying the global response to the climate crisis is “falling dangerously short,” as he marked International Mother Earth Day with a call for urgent action.

In a message themed “Our Power, Our Planet,” Guterres said the Earth is “sounding the alarm” through increasingly severe climate impacts, including wildfires, floods, droughts, extreme heat and rising sea levels.

“Mother Earth has given us everything. We have repaid her with reckless destruction,” he said, pointing to pollution, environmental degradation and the accelerating loss of biodiversity.

Despite mounting risks, the UN chief stressed that solutions are already within reach. Renewable energy has become the cheapest source of electricity in many parts of the world, he said, adding that climate action can drive economic growth, create jobs and save lives.

However, Guterres warned that progress remains too slow, urging countries to rapidly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, scale up efforts to protect ecosystems and ensure climate justice for vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by global warming.

He also highlighted the role of grassroots movements, praising young activists, Indigenous communities, scientists and civil society groups for leading climate efforts worldwide.

“Their power is our power,” he said, calling on governments and businesses to match their commitment with decisive and immediate action to safeguard the planet for future generations.