UN chief says climate alarms are ringing at a 'fever pitch' in frustrated speech

Guterres appealed to world leaders Tuesday to show solidarity and act on the climate crisis, warning that humanity was on track for "catastrophe."

At the opening of the UN General Assembly in New York, Guterres called specifically on leaders to end subsidies on fossil fuels, end the use of coal, invest in renewable energy, and tax carbon and pollution "instead of people's income."

"The climate alarm bells are also ringing at fever pitch," he said. "The recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was a code red for humanity. We see the warning signs in every continent and region -- scorching temperatures, shocking biodiversity loss, polluted air, water and natural spaces."