As the annual Climate Week coincides with the United Nations General Assembly, the UN is focusing even more on climate change and the role of fossil fuels. This week sees a major “March to End Fossil Fuels” rally in Manhattan, as well as a Climate Ambition Summit convened by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Only leaders from countries taking meaningful climate action will be allowed to speak at the summit.
Guterres has been vocal in his criticism of fossil fuels. He highlighted the need to “phase out” these energy sources to combat global warming effectively. In the past, terms like “phase down” were used to allow the continued use of fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage.
While Guterres wields moral authority, he has limited real power to enforce change. He can pressure and shame leaders into taking stronger climate action, but the ultimate decisions lie with individual nations.
Guterres plans to urge nations, especially the wealthiest ones, to accelerate their switch from carbon-based energy while providing financial aid to less affluent countries. However, some of the richest countries continue to grant new permits for oil and gas drilling, undermining the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
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Environmentalists are focusing on the United States, which is responsible for a large portion of planned oil and gas drilling expansion. They argue that, while the United States claims to be taking climate action, it fails to deliver promised financial aid to poorer countries.
In conclusion, the U.N. is intensifying its climate change efforts, putting pressure on leaders to phase out fossil fuels. While this approach highlights the urgency of the climate crisis, actual change depends on nations taking meaningful action. The spotlight is on the United States and President Joe Biden, who face pressure to align actions with climate science and phase out fossil fuels.
source: nbcsandiego.com
