Climate optimism is an illusion, UN chief tells Cop26

Antonio Guterres says talks may have to become annual and urges countries to choose ambition'

• Cop26 - latest updates

Optimistic assessments of progress on tackling the climate crisis were an illusion", the UN secretary general has said in a scathing critique of world leaders' efforts so far to cut greenhouse gas emissions and stave off climate breakdown.

Antonio Guterres, greeting leaders gathering for the Cop26 summit, roundly dismissed the suggestion that the climate situation was improving, and he exhorted the more than 120 heads of government to choose to safeguard our future and save humanity" instead of continuing with the addiction to fossil fuels.