United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has declared that the global shift to renewable energy is inevitable, urging world leaders and fossil fuel companies to embrace the change. Speaking at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, Guterres highlighted the critical importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
“The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce, not abate, phase out,” Guterres stated emphatically. “The only question is how much heating our planet will endure before it happens.”
Addressing fossil fuel company leaders directly, he added: “Your old road is rapidly aging. Do not double-down on an obsolete business model. Lead the transition to renewables; using the resources you have available.”
Guterres emphasized that the path to climate sustainability is also the only viable pathway to economic sustainability for companies in the future. “Make no mistake—the road to climate sustainability is also the only viable pathway to economic sustainability of your companies in the future,” he said.
He urged governments to assist industry in making the right choices by implementing regulations, legislation, fair carbon pricing, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and adopting windfall taxes on profits. “I urge governments to help industry make the right choice—by regulating, legislating, putting a fair price on carbon, ending fossil fuel subsidies, and adopting a windfall tax on profits,” he added.
His remarks underscore the urgent need for collective action in the face of escalating climate challenges. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, Guterres’s call serves as a crucial reminder of the responsibilities of governments and industries to steer toward a sustainable future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
