UN Chief Calls for Fossil Fuel-Free Future at COP28 Climate Summit
DUBAI – In a stark contrast to the UAE’s stance on fossil fuels, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders at the COP28 climate summit to embrace a future without fossil fuels, emphasizing that this is the only way to curb global warming.
“We cannot save a burning planet with a fire hose of fossil fuels,” Guterres declared, challenging the notion that continued fossil fuel use can be reconciled with climate action.
His remarks directly addressed the UAE’s COP28 president Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, who had previously advocated for ongoing fossil fuel utilization. Guterres maintained that a 1.5-degree Celsius temperature limit, a crucial target for climate mitigation, can only be achieved by phasing out all fossil fuels, not merely reducing or mitigating their use.
King Charles III of Britain echoed Guterres’ sentiment, urging global leaders to take decisive action on climate change. He highlighted the alarming pace at which tipping points are being reached, emphasizing the urgency of repairing and restoring nature’s balance.
In a seemingly contradictory move, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who was expected to announce significant climate finance contributions at COP28, has rolled back several domestic climate measures. This decision raises concerns about the UK’s commitment to its net-zero targets.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, directed his criticism towards wealthy nations, pointing to their disproportionate contribution to climate-warming emissions. He stressed the collective responsibility of humanity to address the climate crisis, particularly for those most vulnerable in the global south.
In a significant development, Hilda Heine, a former president of the Marshall Islands, resigned from the main COP28 advisory board in protest of the UAE’s continued support for fossil fuels. She expressed deep disappointment over reports that the UAE leveraged its COP28 presidency to secure oil and gas deals.
Heine’s resignation underscores the deep divisions surrounding fossil fuels and the role of major oil-producing nations in climate negotiations. Her call for a COP28 outcome that demonstrates a commitment to phasing out fossil fuels highlights the urgency of transitioning to a clean energy future.
Despite the challenges, Guterres expressed cautious optimism, noting “a glimmer of hope” in the progress made so far and the growing recognition of the climate crisis. He urged world leaders to seize this momentum and chart a course towards a fossil-free future.
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