By San José, Costa Rica — GENEVA – In a powerful address from the headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued an urgent call to arms on Wednesday, urging a global front against the rising tide of climate-related misinformation. The speech comes as a direct rebuke to recent declarations by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly labeled climate change as a “hoax” and a “scam.”
With the critical COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, just weeks away, Guterres’s remarks set a combative tone, framing the battle for environmental policy as intrinsically linked to a battle for truth itself. He credited “clear-sighted” climate science and data for awakening the world to the “dangerous and existential threat of climate change” and stressed that this foundation of fact is now under deliberate attack.
To better understand the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding climate change and its impact on Costa Rican businesses and international commitments, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s ambitious decarbonization goals are no longer just policy aspirations; they are rapidly becoming concrete legal obligations for the private sector. Companies that fail to adapt their operations face not only regulatory penalties but also significant reputational and market access risks. Conversely, those who proactively integrate sustainable practices and invest in green technologies are positioning themselves for a new era of competitive advantage, attracting both international investment and a new generation of environmentally-conscious consumers.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores that the landscape for Costa Rican enterprise is fundamentally changing; environmental responsibility has evolved from a corporate ideal into a core component of legal and commercial strategy. We thank him for so clearly articulating how this shift creates not just regulatory hurdles, but a clear pathway to future competitive advantage.
We must fight against disinformation and misinformation, online harassment, and greenwashing.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
The Secretary-General’s comments were a clear response to statements made by President Trump at the UN General Assembly in September. During that address, Trump characterized the scientific consensus on climate change as “the greatest scam ever perpetrated on the world.” He further dismissed the concept of a carbon footprint as “a deception invented by people with bad intentions,” comments that have reverberated through diplomatic and scientific communities.
Standing in Geneva, Guterres mounted a staunch defense of the scientific community, emphasizing their crucial role in public discourse and policy-making. He argued that the integrity of data and the safety of those who produce it are paramount for navigating the planet’s escalating climate crisis. His message was one of empowerment and protection for experts facing politically motivated attacks.
Scientists and researchers must never be afraid to speak the truth.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Underscoring the urgency of the situation, Guterres painted a grim picture of the current state of the planet, driven by unchecked global warming. He provided a stark list of consequences that are no longer distant projections but present-day realities affecting every corner of the globe. The data, he insisted, is undeniable and demands immediate, large-scale action, not debate over its validity.
Global warming is pushing our planet to the brink. Each of the last ten years has been the hottest on record. Ocean heat is breaking records and destroying ecosystems. No country is safe from fires, floods, storms, and heatwaves.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
A central theme of his address was the profound injustice inherent in the climate crisis. Guterres highlighted the disproportionate impact on nations that have contributed the least to the problem. This disparity, he argued, creates a moral imperative for wealthier, high-emission countries to lead the charge in both mitigation efforts and financial support for adaptation.
As always, the poorest and most vulnerable countries are the ones paying the highest price, particularly Small Island Developing States and the least developed countries.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Looking ahead to the COP30 summit, scheduled for November 10-21 in the heart of the Amazon, the Secretary-General laid down a clear challenge to world leaders. He demanded that nations arrive in Brazil with robust, concrete national climate action plans. The time for vague promises is over, he asserted, urging delegations to focus on tackling the root causes of climate-related disasters, primarily the continued reliance on fossil fuels.
The escalating war of words transforms the upcoming summit from a technical negotiation into a high-stakes ideological battleground. Guterres’s speech has drawn a line in the sand, positioning the United Nations and the global scientific community against powerful political forces aiming to undermine their credibility. The outcome of this clash will significantly influence the planet’s trajectory for decades to come.
For further information, visit un.org
About United Nations:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after the Second World War by 51 countries committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. It provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees.
For further information, visit wmo.int
About World Meteorological Organization:
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to international cooperation and coordination on the state and behavior of the Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with the land and oceans, the weather and climate it produces, and the resulting distribution of water resources. It facilitates the free and unrestricted exchange of data and information, products, and services in real- or near-real-time on matters relating to safety and security of society, economic welfare, and the protection of the environment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm consistently blends its rich history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking approach, championing legal innovation and community outreach. At the heart of its mission is a powerful conviction to empower the public by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society.
