Fossil fuel production will be twice the level needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C

2023-11-08 11:46:00
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Given the United Nations Environment Program report published today, which shows that fossil fuel production in 2030 will be more than double the limit needed to keep global warming this century at the internationally agreed target of 1.5° C above pre-industrial levels, Candy Ofime, climate justice researcher at Amnesty International, said:

“The COP28 climate summit is going to be held and we see that, instead of fulfilling their human rights obligations and the commitments made under the Paris Agreement, the main fossil fuel producing countries are slaves to the pursuit of profits by big companies.” companies in the sector. Parties at COP28 must remedy this situation by agreeing to phase out all fossil fuels urgently and equitably.
“As the report points out, the increase in the production and use of fossil fuels is incompatible with a secure and bearable future. Climate change affects the rights related to life, health, food, water, culture and a clean, healthy and sustainable environment of present and future generations. Currently, marginalized communities and indigenous peoples suffer the most from the damage caused by climate change, which will only worsen with the increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of more fossil fuels.

“The chances of 2023 being the hottest on record are expected to be very high; However, governments continue to irresponsibly fuel a climate crisis that is only rapidly worsening. An increase in global coal production until 2030, and global oil and gas production until at least 2050, puts us on the path to even greater climate chaos.

“This must change to avoid a human rights catastrophe. States must take urgent steps now to phase out production of all fossil fuels, including ending subsidies, stopping all new expansion projects and accelerating a fair and equitable transition to renewable energy. States that bear greater responsibility for historical emissions, as well as high-income fossil fuel-producing States, must go further and faster, and provide adequate assistance to States that need it to help them decarbonize their economies. ”

General information

The United Nations Environment Programme’s Production Gap Report 2023 on fossil fuel production also highlights that we cannot rely on risky and unproven technologies such as carbon capture and storage. and carbon dioxide removal, and that these could delay the phase-out needed to protect human rights and the environment. The report will influence negotiations at the COP28 climate summit to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12.