UN Secretary-General Urges COP28 to Pave the Way for Fossil Fuel “Phaseout” and Accelerate Renewable Energy Development
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of ambitious climate action at the upcoming COP28 climate conference, advocating for a complete “phaseout” of fossil fuels. Guterres, a vocal proponent of robust measures against climate change, expressed concern about the potential “total disaster” humanity faces if current trends persist.
In an interview before the UN climate summit in the United Arab Emirates, Guterres highlighted the inadequacy of nations’ efforts in meeting the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Some countries are pushing for COP28’s final statement to explicitly call for a reduction in fossil fuel consumption, a move unprecedented in COP statements.
Guterres insisted that a mere promise to reduce fossil fuels would be insufficient, expressing a preference for clear language advocating a “phaseout” rather than a vague “phase-down.” He acknowledged the need for an organized transition, recognizing that nations cannot abruptly cease fossil fuel use. The secretary-general stressed the importance of a credible time framework aligned with the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Addressing concerns about COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber’s ties to the oil industry, Guterres emphasized Al Jaber’s “special responsibility” to influence the fossil fuel sector. He suggested that Al Jaber, with connections to both the oil and renewable energy industries, could effectively communicate the necessity of phasing out fossil fuels.
Renewable energy development emerged as another crucial theme for COP28, with Guterres advocating for a threefold increase in global renewable energy capacity. He called for more than voluntary commitments and urged for a “massive” global investment program in Africa, where solar capacity is abundant but investment remains disproportionately low.
Climate justice, a key issue, was underscored by Guterres, who highlighted the need for the COP28 to bolster the fund created at COP27 to compensate countries vulnerable to climate impact. He emphasized the importance of meaningful contributions to the fund and urged progress on issues like loss and damage compensation.
Despite the grim projections of a temperature rise between 2.5 to 2.9 degrees Celsius this century, Guterres maintained optimism about achieving the 1.5-degree goal. He highlighted the existing potential, technologies, and financial resources, attributing the challenge to a lack of political will. Guterres concluded by stressing the need for COP28 to redirect the world towards effective climate action, cautioning against moving in a “very wrong direction.”
