The world must cut fossil fuel production by 6 per cent per year to avoid the worst of global warming. Instead, countries are projecting an average annual increase of 2 per cent. Those are among the sobering findings of the latest Production Gap Report. The report urges making COVID-19 recovery a turning point, where countries should steer investments into changing course to avoid “locking in” dependence on polluting coal, oil and gas.
The UN’s top court has ruled that countries must act on climate change under international law, including cutting emissions and limiting warming. The case, led by Vanuatu and Pacific youth, is a major win for climate justice, Secretary-General António Guterres said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared the fossil fuel era in decline and urged countries to submit stronger climate plans ahead of COP30. Citing record clean energy investments and falling solar and wind costs, he said that the transition is “unstoppable, but not yet fast or fair enough.”
As countries race to tap the deep sea for rare minerals, the head of the UN’s Seabed Authority warned it must not become a “Wild West.” Marking its 30th anniversary, the agency is pushing for global rules to protect the ocean floor.