UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has emphasized the urgent need for a complete elimination of fossil fuels at the COP28 climate conference, as reported by AFP.
He stressed the impending “total disaster” if current environmental trends continue.
Guterres, advocating for explicit language in the COP28 final statement to reduce fossil fuel usage, highlighted the inadequacy of nations’ efforts in meeting the Paris Agreement’s goal of capping global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The upcoming UN climate summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a prominent oil-producing nation, marks a pivotal moment, especially with some nations pushing for historic changes in the summit’s final statement.
The statement aims to include a clear call for fossil fuel reduction, a move that was only partially achieved at Glasgow’s 2021 conference with a mention of coal.
Guterres, who prioritizes climate change mitigation, expressed dissatisfaction with vague commitments and underscored the need for a structured and credible approach to reducing fossil fuels. He acknowledged the complexities involved, advocating for a realistic timeline that aligns with the 1.5-degree target.
The COP28 president, Sultan Al Jaber, has faced conflict of interest allegations due to his ties to the oil industry and renewable energy sector. Guterres, however, views these connections as an opportunity for Al Jaber to influence the fossil fuel industry positively and disprove his critics.
Moreover, Guterres called for a significant increase in global renewable energy investments, particularly in Africa. He pointed out the continent’s vast solar potential, which remains largely untapped despite possessing 60% of the world’s solar capacity.
The Secretary-General hopes COP28 will catalyze a substantial global investment program in Africa and address broader issues like climate justice, which are crucial for the conference’s success.
