UN climate chief calls fossil fuel phase out key to curbing warming but may not be on talks’ agenda

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The Executive Secretary of the United Nations climate body stressed the urgent need for phasing out fossil fuels as a vital measure to combat global warming. In an interview with The Big Big News, Simon Stiell acknowledged that this crucial idea might not be included in the agenda of the upcoming international climate negotiations scheduled for this fall. These talks will be hosted by a nation heavily reliant on oil production.

Stiell emphasized that the elimination of heat-trapping fossil fuels remains a significant topic in most discussions surrounding climate change. The issue has gained worldwide attention, although its inclusion as an agenda item and potential outcome in the climate talks is still uncertain.

Regarding the COP28 conference set to take place in Dubai later this year, Stiell could not guarantee that the phase-out proposal would be placed on the agenda. The decision to include it lies with the president of the negotiations, who happens to be the head of the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Sultan al-Jaber.

The appointment of al-Jaber as the head of the climate conference faced strong opposition from lawmakers in Europe and the United States, as well as environmental advocates. UAE officials defended their choice, stating their desire for transformative results in the climate talks, and highlighting al-Jaber’s involvement in a large renewable energy company.

Last year, during the climate talks, a proposal by India to phase out all fossil fuels—supported by the United States and many European nations—was not included on the agenda. The decisions regarding the discussions are made by the COP president, who, in the previous year, was the foreign minister of Egypt, a nation that exports natural gas.

When asked if Egypt’s leaders deliberately kept the concept off the agenda, Stiell refrained from commenting, explaining that it falls within their jurisdiction.

As an engineer-turned-government official and diplomat, Stiell navigated a delicate balance between stressing the importance of a fossil fuel phase-out and supporting the U.N. process, which has given negotiating power to countries involved in oil and natural gas exports for two consecutive years.

According to the Global Carbon Project, approximately 94% of the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from human industrial activities last year originated from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas. Al-Jaber’s company has the capacity to produce 2 million barrels of oil and 7 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, with plans to increase drilling to 5 million barrels a day by 2027.

Whether a fossil fuel phase-out will be addressed in this year’s conference depends on the conference president, al-Jaber, and the pressure exerted by other nations, Stiell stated.

Stiell posed the question of where a discussion on fossil fuels would be more appropriate than in a region where these resources constitute the backbone of the economy.

However, Stiell reiterated his support for the fossil fuel phase-out throughout the interview, emphasizing that the key is achieving tangible results rather than merely placing it on the agenda.

In public appearances, al-Jaber has focused on the goal of phasing out fossil fuel emissions, promoting carbon capture and the removal of pollutants from the atmosphere.

Stiell dismissed the notion that carbon removal could provide a short-term solution. He emphasized that, according to scientific research, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can only be achieved through a substantial decrease in the use of all fossil fuels during this critical decade.

Stiell defended the consecutive years of climate negotiations being held in fossil fuel-exporting nations, stating that it reflects the wishes of the countries involved.

This year’s conference holds particular importance, as it marks the first global stocktake to assess the progress made in reducing carbon emissions. Stiell explained that, in order to reach the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times, greenhouse gas pollution must be halved by 2030.

Stiell acknowledged that significant efforts are still required to achieve this goal, stating, “We know we are a long way from where we need to be.”

The stocktake this year will serve as the basis for nations to make new pledges for even stricter emissions reductions. Stiell emphasized that this approach aims to present countries with an honest evaluation of the dire situation. The problem lies not in the lack of awareness but in the implementation of effective measures.

Stiell, who previously served as a national negotiator, expressed his deep commitment to making a difference, emphasizing his motivation to drive meaningful change.

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Frank Jordans contributed from Berlin.

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For more climate and environmental coverage by AP, visit https://bigbignews.net/climate-and-environment

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about fossil fuel phase-out

More about fossil fuel phase-out

• United Nations Climate Change – Official website of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• COP28 – Information about the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UNFCCC.
• Global Carbon Project – Research initiative providing information on global carbon emissions.
• Paris Agreement – Details and objectives of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change.
• Big Big News – Climate and Environment – Climate and environment coverage by Big Big News.
• AP’s Climate Initiative – Information about AP’s climate initiative and their coverage on climate-related topics.