Colombian President Gustavo Petro delivered a passionate speech at the UN General Assembly, highlighting the role of the world's wealthiest individuals in exacerbating climate change and perpetuating social inequality. Petro condemned the actions of the richest 1% for what he described as the destruction of life, the environment, and global peace.
Petro accused powerful countries and individuals of enabling violence against civilians, imposing economic sanctions on dissenting nations, and perpetuating environmental degradation through investments in polluting industries. He emphasized the urgent need for governments to transition towards decarbonization to avert further environmental catastrophe.
According to Petro, the pursuit of wealth at the expense of the environment is a driving force behind climate change. He criticized the wealthiest individuals for prioritizing profits from oil and carbon-intensive industries over the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
The Colombian leader called on the international community to reject capitalist ideologies that prioritize profit over sustainability. He urged for a shift towards principles that prioritize the preservation of life and the well-being of all people.
In his closing remarks, Petro emphasized the need to make a choice between prioritizing life and combating greed, between supporting humanity and challenging capital-driven interests. He urged global cooperation in addressing climate change and social inequality to secure a sustainable future for all.
