LONDON, England -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has once again warned that the global community is facing two interconnected crises that are having far-reaching consequences around the world.
Addressing the Climate Change Forum in London, Guterres said the twin challenges of climate change and energy insecurity continue to affect countries in multiple ways.
According to the Secretary-General, the climate crisis is driving the world toward higher temperatures and dangerous tipping points, while the energy crisis has exposed the risks of a global economy heavily dependent on fossil fuels.
He noted that although the two crises may appear separate, they are closely linked and require a common response.
"They both demand a fast, fair transition to clean energy – and a surge in adaptation, resilience and climate justice for those already facing climate harm," he said.
Speaking during the 2026 London Climate Action Week, Guterres warned that climate-related disasters are increasing in both frequency and intensity, with the world experiencing 11 of the hottest years ever recorded.
"Around the world, climate disasters are becoming more frequent, more destructive, and more costly," he stated. "And the World Meteorological Organization has warned we ain't seen nothing yet. El Niño is not just knocking on the door. It risks blowing the house down."
He emphasized that vulnerable communities continue to bear the brunt of climate change despite contributing the least to the problem.
Underscoring the urgency of the situation, Guterres reminded the audience that 10 years ago, world leaders gathered in Paris and agreed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, scientists now warn that average global temperatures are expected to exceed that threshold in the coming years.
"The task before us is to strictly limit the overshoot, shorten its duration, and bring temperatures down below 1.5 degrees Celsius as fast as possible," he added. "Every fraction of a degree matters!"
Turning to the issue of energy security, Guterres pointed to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global energy markets, noting that rising energy prices continue to place additional pressure on economies worldwide.
"For many developing countries, this is not just an energy crisis. It is a debt shock. A food shock. A development shock," he noted. "And I would add that any peace agreement is welcome and would bring much needed relief, but – make no mistake – the impacts are likely to be long-lasting."
According to the UN chief, the twin crises have exposed the shortcomings of an outdated development model—one powered by fossil fuels, where a single conflict can disrupt global energy supplies and a single chokepoint can send prices soaring.
He described it as a model that treats nature as limitless and available for exploitation without consequence; one that has generated immense wealth while deepening inequality and fueling insecurity.
It is also, he said, a model in which those who contributed the least to these crises continue to pay the highest price.
