UN chief says ‘subsidising fossil fuels is subsidising suicide’
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to fossil fuel subsidies, labeling them as harmful to biodiversity and the planet. He urged global leaders to redirect these funds toward sustainable development.
Why it matters
The statement highlights the ongoing tension between global economic policies and climate change mitigation efforts ahead of major biodiversity summits.
UN chief says ‘subsidising fossil fuels is subsidising suicide’ left Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, left, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, center, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan pose for a photo prior to the official reception ahead of the COP17 Leaders' Summit in Yerevan, Armenia, Thursday, October 15, 2026. AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/a24j3n/article71591534.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Armenia_COP17_46715.jpg Vahram Baghdasaryan Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, left, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, center, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan pose for a photo prior to the official reception ahead of the COP17 Leaders' Summit in Yerevan, Armenia, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. (Vahram Baghdasaryan/Photolure via AP) The United Nations says that for every dollar invested in protecting or restoring nature, about $30 still goes into activities that degrade it.
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