UN warns world leaders ‘we are on the highway to climate hell’

The UN Secretary General António Guterres has warned world leaders ‘we are on the highway to climate hell with our foot on the accelerator.’

The top official set the mood the annual climate conference, as leaders from almost every country in the world listened.

Presidents and Prime Ministers from around the world took to the stand, to pledge their climate promises and goals.

Many more will continue to speak over the coming week.

During the opening day of the summit, leaders clearly outlined the biggest threats to the climate, with a particular focus on the Ukraine war.

Climate promises

Newly-appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged his country’s climate initiatives during the opening day of COP27.

At the COP27 Climate summit, UK leader Rishi Sunak took to the stand, telling world leaders the Ukraine war is a reason to act urgently on climate change.

The Prime Minister went onto say the climate battle can be a driver for new jobs and clean growth. He also announced over $300 million in climate innovation and financing.

The conference is an opportunity for world leaders to discuss global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep global warming below 1.5 degrees celsius.

However, new data released by the World Meteorological Organisation revealed the planet has likely recorded its hottest eight years in history.