UN chief berates nations for missing 1.5 deg C climate target

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tore into nations for their failure to limit warming to 1.5 deg C, as Brazil hosted world leaders for a summit ahead of the COP30 climate conference in the rainforest city of Belem.

- 

Scientists have confirmed that the world is set to cross the 1.5 deg C warming threshold around 2030, risking extreme warming with irreversible consequences.

"Too many corporations are making record profits from climate devastation, with billions spent on lobbying, deceiving the public and obstructing progress," Mr Guterres said in his speech.

"Too many leaders remain captive to these entrenched interests."

Countries are spending about US$1 trillion (S$1.3 trillion) each year in subsidising fossil fuels.

Leaders have two clear options, Mr Guterres said: "We can choose to lead - or be led to ruin."