New York

06 September 2023

Secretary-General's message on the Hottest Summer on Record

António Guterres, Secretary-General

The dog days of summer are not just barking, they are biting. 
 
Our planet has just endured a season of simmering -- the hottest summer on record.   Climate breakdown has begun. 
 
Scientists have long warned what our fossil fuel addiction will unleash.  Our climate is imploding faster than we can cope with extreme weather events hitting every corner of the planet. 
 
Surging temperatures demand a surge in action.
 
Leaders must turn up the heat now for climate solutions.
 
We can still avoid the worst of climate chaos – and we don’t have a moment to lose.