Guterres voiced concerns over an acceleration of melting of ice that endangers coastal communities and expressed hope that countries will decide to phase out fossil fuels at the conference.
"I've come to Antarctica ahead of #COP28. Ice here is melting at record rates - raising sea levels & endangering lives & livelihoods on coasts across the world. Let's get the climate crisis under control. Let's protect Antarctica to protect ourselves," Guterres said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The secretary-general said he was alarmed by what is happening in Antarctica, adding that "the evidence overwhelmingly shows that there is an acceleration of melting of ice, which could be catastrophic to coastal communities everywhere."
Guterres also said fossil fuels are the "root cause" of climate change, adding that their impact is felt everywhere.
"I hope that countries at #COP28 will be able to decide on the phase out of fossil fuels, with a clear time frame aligned to the 1.5° warming limit," he said.
COP28 will take place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12.