UN Report Urges China to Phase Out Fossil Fuels as Global Plans Threaten 1.5C Climate Goal
China's Position as World's Top Greenhouse Gas Emitter Emphasizes Need for Leadership in Fossil Fuel Phase-out Amid Current Global Plans Undermining 1.5C Target.
- China’s control of its future fossil fuel production and consumption is crucial for keeping the world under 1.5 degrees Celsius of human-induced temperature rise. The country must phase out all fossil fuels rather than promoting the “clean” utilisation of coal, oil, and gas.
- Governments worldwide are set to produce more than double the amount of fossil fuels needed to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees by 2030, and 69% more than would be consistent with warming of 2 degrees.
- Despite many governments pledging to achieve net-zero emissions, none have committed to reducing coal, oil, and gas production in line with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. This unsettling trend has prompted calls for a halt on licensing and funding for new oil and gas projects among the G20 countries.
- Energy transition and the achievement of net-zero emissions are being hindered by plans to expand fossil fuel production, thereby jeopardizing humanity’s future. On the other hand, a move towards clean and efficient energy is identified as a viable solution to end energy poverty and reduce emissions.
- Efforts to limit oil and gas production by 'stranding' large percentages of existing fossil fuel reserves face significant legal, political, and economic challenges. Such attempts could result in skyrocketing energy prices and significant investor losses, leading to a political disaster for any government.
Futurism 
