Guterres calls for the end of fossil fuels on the first day of COP31

O appeal of the UN Secretary-General to the end of fossil fuels marked the third day of the UN Environment Conference in Turkey, today dedicated to interventions by political leaders but with marked absences.

In the first of two days dedicated to heads of state and government, the leaders of countries such as the United States, China or India, among many others, António Guterres called for the extinction of fossil fuels, “such as dinosaurs”, and denounced the pressure groups that protect them. “The hard truth is that the climate crisis is beyond our control,” he acknowledged.

The annual climate conference, COP31, began in Antalya on Monday (end of 20th) with a surprising announcement by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the discovery of new oil fields, at a time when the gradual elimination of fossil fuels is a crucial issue in COPs.

“ The discovery of new reserves of fossil fuels is not a cause for celebration, but concern,” said President of the Marshall Islands, Hilda Heine today, not to mention Turkey.

Almost 200 countries committed to COP28 in Dubai in 2023, starting their transition away from fossil fuels. But the issue has been stagnant ever since, with any mention of oil, coal or natural gas finding opposition from the producer countries.

Others see oil as an instrument of justice: the transition “must be fair and should provide an opportunity for countries like mine to develop,” said Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A message that was reiterated by Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman: “The measures to protect the climate should not be an obstacle to countries or prevent their economic development.”.

While Brazil promotes a “roadmap” to encourage countries to abandon fossil fuels, Turkey attempts to boost a more consensual goal: to increase electricity’s share in final energy demand to 35% by 2035.

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed support for the objective today in Antalia.

“ The electrification must be clearly linked to a transition away from fossil fuels, otherwise it serves as a pretext for the fossil fuel industry to continue operating as before,” said Chiara Martinelli, director for Europe of the Climate Action Network, a coalition of environmental organizations.

Also today Brazilian President Lula da Silva denounced the fact that climate change has “disappeared from the speeches and documents” of world leaders, giving rise, above all, to “weapons” and “tariffs” in forums such as the G7 and the G20.

Lula da Silva also asked rich countries to “respect their financial commitments” to vulnerable nations.

A similar appeal was made by Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, who said that “the fight against climate change is a common cause for all humanity.”.

Surangel Samuel Whipps, President of the Palau Archipelago, particularly threatened by rising sea level, said: “We are at war against a crisis we have not caused.”.

The COP31 segment dedicated to leaders is marked by weak participation, with just under 70 Heads of State and Government scheduled to speak over two days, most with limited international reach.

The United States and China are two of the largest greenhouse gas emitters. The European Union has highlighted the absence of leaders from Spain, France, Germany and Italy. Portugal is represented by the Minister for the Environment.

COP31 has today fulfilled the third day, dedicated to the end of waste and the first day of the summit of leaders. On Thursday the theme will be resilient cities and also the second day of the summit of leaders.