UN chief says world’s addiction to fossil fuels is ‘Frankenstein’s monster’

Frankenstein's monster

01/22/2025: The UN secretary general, António Guterres, told leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos that the world’s addiction to fossil fuels was a ‘Frankenstein’s monster sparing nothing and no one’.

Guterres said: ‘All around us, we see clear signs that the monster has become master.’ He issued a stark warning that the extreme weather events that had taken place were ‘a preview of the horror movie to come’

World’s addiction to fossil fuels is ‘Frankenstein’s monster’, says UN chief

聯合國秘書長安東尼奧·古特雷斯在達沃斯世界經濟論壇上告訴領導人,世界對化石燃料的成癮是弗蘭肯斯坦的怪物,什麼都不放過。 古特雷斯說:在我們周圍,我們都看到了怪物已經成為主人的明顯跡象。聯合國秘書長說,他發出嚴厲的警告,已經發生的極端天氣事件是即將上映的恐怖電影的預覽,世界對化石燃料的成癮是弗蘭肯斯坦的怪物

The YouTube describes UN chief António Guterres’s speech at the World Economic Forum, where he criticized the world’s addiction to fossil fuels. Guterres warned that the consequences of climate change are already being felt and will worsen if action is not taken. He urged governments, businesses, and individuals to take immediate action to combat climate change and transition to renewable energy sources.

Prompt: Elaborate Frankenstein’s monster. Give its pronunciation, some examples and interesting and horrible stories.

#ChatGPT gives the following answer:

Frankenstein’s Monster: A Deeper Dive

Pronunciation:
/ˈfræŋkənˌstaɪnz ˈmɒnstər/

  • Frankenstein: FRAN-ken-stine
  • Monster: MON-ster

Origin and Description:

Frankenstein’s monster is a character from Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus”. Often misidentified as “Frankenstein” (the name of his creator), the monster is an unnamed being brought to life through science. He is constructed from human body parts and reanimated by Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist.

The monster is a complex character. Despite his horrifying appearance—often described as gigantic, with yellow eyes and skin stretched taut over his body—he is initially gentle, intelligent, and curious. However, his kindness turns to vengeance as society rejects him, and his creator abandons him.


Examples in Popular Culture:

  1. Classic Depictions:

    • 1931 Film Adaptation: Boris Karloff’s portrayal in Frankenstein cemented the monster’s image in popular culture: bolts in the neck, a square head, and a lumbering gait.
  2. Literary Influence:

    • The monster’s story inspired countless adaptations, including novels, movies, plays, and even video games.
  3. Modern Takes:

    • I, Frankenstein (2014): A reimagined version where the monster fights supernatural beings.
    • Penny Dreadful (TV Series): Offers a nuanced exploration of the monster’s loneliness and quest for acceptance.

Interesting and Horrifying Stories:

1. The Arctic Chase:

In the novel, after the monster vows vengeance against Victor for denying him a companion, he leads him on a harrowing chase to the Arctic. The frozen wasteland mirrors their isolation. Victor dies in pursuit, and the monster, grief-stricken, declares his intention to end his own life.

2. The Bride of Frankenstein:

Victor reluctantly agrees to create a female companion for the monster but destroys her before completion, fearing the two might reproduce and wreak havoc. This betrayal sends the monster into a vengeful spiral.

3. Revenge at the Wedding Night:

As part of his revenge, the monster murders Victor’s wife, Elizabeth, on their wedding night. This horrifying act solidifies the monster’s role as both victim and villain.


Themes and Relevance:

  1. Rejection and Loneliness: The monster’s story is a poignant tale of societal rejection and the desire for companionship.

  2. Ethics in Science: The novel raises questions about the moral responsibilities of creators and scientists.

  3. Misjudged Appearances: Despite his intelligence and longing for love, the monster is judged solely by his grotesque appearance.


Fun Fact:

In 2021, Mary Shelley’s handwritten manuscript of Frankenstein sold for over $1.17 million at auction, highlighting its enduring significance.


Would you like to hear more tales or dive into specific interpretations of Frankenstein’s monster?