United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged world leaders to end their dependence on fossil fuels, warning that the climate crisis is worsening and threatening the future of the planet. He also called for taxes on excessive profits made by fossil fuel companies.

Speaking at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, on Wednesday, November 11, Guterres said the world must urgently move away from fossil fuel dependence to address the climate emergency.

Call to break free from fossil fuel dependence

Guterres warned that the climate crisis is increasingly getting out of control, while those protecting the interests of the fossil fuel industry continue to make huge profits at the expense of the planet.

He said it was time for countries to break their dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy sources.

“Fossil fuels must go the way of the dinosaurs,” Guterres said, stressing that the transition would not happen automatically.

He also criticised powerful fossil fuel lobby groups, accusing them of distorting scientific information and obstructing measures needed to protect the climate.

According to Guterres, taxing excessive profits earned by fossil fuel companies could be part of efforts to address the growing climate challenge.

Extreme weather raises climate concerns

Recent climate-related disasters have further highlighted the urgency of action. Severe heatwaves and wildfires across Europe, along with devastating floods in Nepal, have raised concerns about the growing impact of climate change.

Representatives and leaders from different countries have gathered in Antalya for the two-week climate conference to discuss ways to tackle global warming and strengthen international cooperation.

The summit is scheduled to continue until November 20.

Several world leaders absent from the summit

The absence of some major world leaders has also drawn attention at this year's climate conference.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders attending the summit.

However, top leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan are not attending this year's conference.

Reducing fossil fuel consumption, accelerating the shift to clean energy and securing climate financing remain among the key issues under discussion at COP31.

Guterres' remarks have renewed calls for stronger international action to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and limit the damage caused by climate change.