Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, are the biggest contributors to global climate change, accounting for 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. To avoid the worst consequences of climate change, we must reduce emissions by nearly half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Companies in the fossil fuel sector are leading a “massive campaign of disinformation and misinformation” to slow down countries’ adoption of renewable energy and the transition from a carbon-based economy, the United Nations (UN) stated.
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, said that there is an expansion of fossil fuels in some of the world’s wealthiest countries.
“By signing so many new oil and gas licenses, they are signing away our future,” Guterres said, adding that countries must swiftly phase out fossil fuels.
The organization notes that renewable energy is currently the cheapest option for energy production in most parts of the world.
“Falling costs are making renewable energy increasingly attractive worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries, where most of the additional demand for new electricity will come from. Cheap electricity from renewable sources could provide 65 percent of global electricity by 2030. It could decarbonize 90 percent of the energy sector by 2050, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions and helping mitigate climate change,” the UN stated.
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The transition to clean energy not only helps address climate change but also air pollution, which, according to WHO data, causes the deaths of 13 million people worldwide each year. Unhealthy levels of polluting particles primarily come from the burning of fossil fuels.
Finally, the economic side is also highlighted, where renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy and wind, have an advantage over fossil fuels.
“More than 30 million jobs could be created in clean energy, energy efficiency, and low-emission technologies by 2030,” the UN reports.
The UN also calls for new national plans to reduce emissions, as required by the Paris Agreement of 2015, in which governments must clearly outline not only their goals but also how they plan to achieve them.
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