UN Chief Guterres: ‘I Call on Every Government to Adopt a National Plan to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels’

EXCERPT:

GUTERRES: "Excellencies, a future beyond fossil fuels is in sight. The question is, how? Will it be a just and orderly transition built on international corporation, or chaotic and costly, leaving people and countries behind? Today, I call on every government to adopt a national plan to transition away from fossil fuels, align with 1.5 degrees, with clear timelines and protection for affected workers and communities. We know that fossil fuel interests won’t step aside on their own. For decades, big oil has treated the atmosphere as an open sewer and cashed in on the consequences. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, five major western oil companies have pocketed nearly half a trillion dollars in profits. Compare that we just $34B in international public adaptation finance for developing countries in the latest year reported. Meanwhile, everyday people are paying more for energy, food and insurance. And we have seen this kind of abuse of power before. When the harms of big tobacco became undeniable, governments acted. And the climate crisis demands the same determination. Those who polluted the most and profited the most must do far more to repair the damage they caused. Polluters must pay.”