United Nations (UN) secretary-general António Guterres has taken the world’s countries to task about their sincerity regarding the reduction of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).
His sentiments are based on the evidence of actions taken so far, or rather the lack thereof, despite pro-environment pronouncements and pledges on world forums.
He said that at the Conference of the Parties (COP) 28, the UN climate summit in Dubai at the end of this month, world leaders must send a clear signal that "the fossil fuel age is out of gas – that its end is inevitable".
For that to happen, credible commitments to ramp up renewables, phase out fossil fuels and boost energy efficiency are needed to safeguard a just and equitable transition from fossil fuels.
"Fossil fuels are sending essential climate goals up in smoke. It's time for change," Guterres said.
Contrary to pledges to cut fossil fuel production, government policies worldwide look set to add up to twice as much fossil fuel production by 2030, a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed.
"The 2023 Production Gap report is a startling indictment of runaway climate carelessness," Guterres said in his message accompanying the landmark report.
The increase in fossil fuel production comes despite 151 national governments having pledged to achieve net-zero emissions.
The latest forecasts suggest that global coal, oil and gas demand will peak this decade.
Combined government plans would lead to an increase in global coal production until 2030, while global oil and gas production will continue growing until at least 2050.
“In other words governments are literally doubling down on fossil fuel production; that spells double trouble for people and the planet," Guterres said.
Research conducted by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, E3G, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and UNEP Environment Programme urges countries to aim for a near total phase-out of coal production and use by 2040.
The report also calls for at least a 75% reduction in oil and gas production by 2050, compared to 2020 levels.
All this is of paramount importance since the risks and uncertainties of carbon capture and storage, as well as carbon dioxide removal, are significant.
While 17 of the 20 countries featured in the report have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, and many have launched initiatives to cut emissions from fossil fuel production activities, none have committed to reduce coal, oil and gas production in line with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius.
At COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland, two years ago, governments agreed to accelerate efforts towards "phasing down unabated coal power".
However, the production and use of fossil fuels has still reached record high levels.
Countries have to phase out coal, Guterres said.
By 2030 the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, should have phased out reliance on coal power, and by 2040 the rest.
“The G20 must take the lead to end licensing and funding for new oil and gas," Guterres said as he called on world leaders to "save humanity from the worst impacts of climate chaos, and profit from the extraordinary benefits of renewable energy."
The report’s authors believe that governments with greater capacity to transition away from fossil fuels should aim for more ambitious reductions and help support the transition processes in countries with limited resources.
