UN chief calls for ban on fossil fuel advertising

UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for a ban on fossil fuel advertising to combat climate change, labeling coal, oil, and gas corporations as "godfathers of climate chaos."

Matt McGrath and Mark Poynting report for BBC.

In short:

• Guterres compared fossil fuel advertising to tobacco ads, suggesting both should be banned due to their harmful impacts.
• New studies show global warming is accelerating, with each of the past 12 months setting temperature records.
• The UN lacks legal means to enforce the ban, but Guterres' call boosts campaign efforts against fossil fuel sponsorships.

Key quote:

"We must directly confront those in the fossil fuel industry who have shown relentless zeal for obstructing progress – over decades."

— António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

Why this matters:

Limiting fossil fuel advertising could help reduce public deception and promote cleaner energy alternatives, crucial for mitigating climate change's health and environmental impacts. Read more: Greenwashing’s medieval age.