Why We Are Closer Than Ever to Global Catastrophe, According to the U.N.

Warnings about an imminent “global catastrophe” have been very frequent from the United Nations (UN), mostly related to climate change, global warming and wars. But as we approach the last quarter of the year, the warnings are increasing due to recent military coups and threats posed by nuclear weapons.

During his most recent statement to the press, the UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, underlined his worries about the current “fragmentation of the world,” a direct effect of the “multipolarity” of the international community.  In his communication on August 31,, Guterres explained that “power is more diffused” which can result in “escalating geopolitical tensions, with tragic consequences.” The UN chief argued that “fragmentation is all but inevitable” as is the risk of more confrontation if countries don’t put more effort in multilateral frameworks.

The former High Commissioner for Refugees (2005-2015), Guterres also condemned a succession of military coups, particularly on the African continent, that “aggravate problems” and crises.  Referring specifically to situations in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, and Gabon, among others, Guterres stated that military action is never the right solution to the challenges these nations face. The UN secretary-general will head to multiple international summits and conferences with a “strong call” for institutional reforms and will advocate for easier access to financial resources for developing countries in need.

Just days before, the President of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Korosi of Hungary, warned that the world is “closer than any other time in this century to global catastrophe.”

Korosi requested an end to the “threat of our collective suicide,” while commemorating the International Day against Nuclear Tests on August 29. “Heightened distrust, geopolitical competition and a growing number of armed conflicts have only increased the dangers in our world,” he said, “particularly if we consider the regular threats of resorting to a nuclear strike in the on-going war against Ukraine.”

The Hungarian diplomat expressed his doubts about the member states’ focus on  “overcoming poverty and curbing pollution, climate change, or biodiversity loss” while global military spending has increased by a “record $2.2 trillion in 2022.” Korosi called for attention to the “newest human right”—the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment—just a month after the United Nations declared the Earth had entered “the era of global boiling.”

The warning was issued on July 29, as the world faced the hottest month in its entire history, according to scientists. The use of the term “global boiling” came amid reports of record-shattering temperatures in different parts of the world and observations that temperatures in ocean waters are also the highest ever recorded. One year ago, Guterres, warned that “humanity is just one misunderstanding, one miscalculation away from nuclear annihilation,” referring to the war in Ukraine, nuclear threats in Asia and the Middle East, and many other factors.

While the dire warnings and stark reminders have accumulated, the UN has also been credited with a special role in preventing a possible Third World War, through multilateralism and diplomacy. The international organization, composed of 193 member states, was created in 1945. World leaders will gather in New York City between September 18 and 26 at UN headquarters to engage in the annual General Debate. According to the UN, Heads of State and Government and ministers will come together to “explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.”