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UN Chief: Oil Giants Treat Earth Like 'Open Sewer'
22 Sep
Summary
- UN chief criticizes major oil companies for environmental impact.
- Fossil fuel interests will not yield without external pressure.
- Energy industry faces strong condemnation at UN meeting.

On September 22, 2026, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a strong denunciation of major global oil companies. He characterized their impact on the atmosphere as akin to using it as an "open sewer." Guterres made these remarks during a high-level meeting convened by the UN.
He further emphasized that the practices of the fossil fuel industry are unlikely to change on their own. This public condemnation underscores the growing international pressure on energy companies to address their environmental footprint and transition towards more sustainable practices.