Big polluters must cut emissions or risk global catastrophe, says UN chief

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned at the Pacific Island Forum that without drastic emission cuts by major polluters, the world faces a looming climate disaster.

Katy Watson reports for BBC.

In short:

The Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and ocean acidification.
Guterres emphasized the unfair burden on Pacific islands, which contribute little to climate change yet face its harshest consequences.
Australia’s continued reliance on fossil fuels was criticized, highlighting the global need for urgent emission reductions.

Key quote:

“The sea is taking the heat—literally.”

— António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Why this matters:

Pacific Island nations, though least responsible for climate change, are most at risk. Their survival depends on global actions to curb emissions and address climate injustices.

Related EHN coverage:

www.bbc.com

Big polluters must cut emissions or risk global catastrophe, says UN chief

Trump’s Russian diesel deal draws GOP, European pushback — and industry shrug

As wildfires intensify, communities have a bigger role to play

What new research reveals about the dangers of smoke from urban firestorms

Climate change gives Swedish winemakers an unexpected boost

How one Chicago program is diversifying the solar workforce

How rewilding could help atoll islands keep pace with rising seas

‘I am still a child, it cannot be good to be married’: how drought forces Afghan families to sell girls as brides

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.