At the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Guterres called on the world to do more to curb global warming.

The Secretary-General warned of record-breaking heat in 2024 and rising sea-level and described humanity’s addiction to fossil fuels as a "Frankenstein monster" that spares no one. He chided financial institutions and industries who are backtracking on climate commitments, calling their move “short-sighted” and “paradoxically self-defeating."

The other existential threat, artificial intelligence, is a double-edged sword, as it is already revolutionizing many aspects of life, but comes with profound risks if left ungoverned, Guterres said. AI can disrupt economies, undermine trust in institutions, and deepen inequalities, the Secretary-General warned.