'Completely unacceptable': UN secretary general demands accountability for fossil fuel companies

27 February 2023

Climate change is typically discussed as an environmental crisis, but some climate activists view it as a human rights issue as well. On Monday, February 27, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres discussed both the human rights and environmental aspects of climate change during a speech for the final session of the Human Rights Council.

Guterres, according to the Associated Press (AP), explained, "Human rights are not a luxury that can be left until we find a solution to the world's other problems. They are the solution to many of the world's other problems. From the climate emergency to the misuse of technology, the answers to today’s crises are found in human rights."

Guterres covered a lot of ground during his speech, but human rights and climate change were recurring themes. And he stressed that fossil fuel companies need to be held legally accountable for their actions.

The UN secretary general argued, "Legal challenges against climate-wrecking corporations are an important step forward. Fossil fuel producers and their financial backers need to understand a crucial truth: pursuing mega-profits when so many people are losing their lives and rights, today and tomorrow, is completely unacceptable."

AP's full report is available here.

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