UN chief calls for end to fossil fuels ‘like dinosaurs’

This marked his final appearance at a COP summit, where climate action has been a priority during his tenure. He urged for the complete elimination of fossil fuels, comparing their demise to that of dinosaurs, and criticized the lobbying efforts protecting them.

Guterres emphasized that transitioning away from fossil fuels will not happen automatically, citing the influence of powerful lobbies that “twist science, delay decisions, delay action, and delay accountability.” He also highlighted the impact of armed conflicts on the environment.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, co-hosting the event with Australia, echoed these concerns, stating that “the nature is paying the high price of armed conflicts.”

The conference, taking place in Antalya, brings together leaders from nearly 200 nations to address climate change, following a year marked by devastating floods in Nepal and heatwaves in Europe.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, fresh from his surprise re-election two weeks prior, criticized the sidelining of climate issues in global forums like the G7 and G20, advocating for Brazil’s renewed commitment to environmental protection. He also called on wealthy nations to honor their financial commitments to vulnerable countries.

Other expected speakers include British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman.

However, the absence of several leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German and Italian leaders, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, has drawn criticism. Macron’s absence was attributed to commemorations of World War I and a summit in Ireland. US President Donald Trump, who withdrew the United States from the 2015 Paris Agreement, was also not present, with Vice President Han Zheng representing China.

Following commitments made at the COP28 in Dubai in 2023 to begin transitioning away from fossil fuels, progress has stalled due to opposition from producing nations. The rise in energy prices due to the war in the Middle East underscores global dependencies. Guterres pointed out that the nine largest oil companies generated $95 billion in profits in the last quarter, urging for these profits to be taxed and used to support vulnerable countries. Erdoğan stressed the need to consider the “different development needs of countries” regarding the energy transition.