UN chief calls for national fossil fuel phase‑out plans with timelines

At the closing of the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary‑General António Guterres delivered a call for a global shift away from fossil fuels. In his address, he urged every member state to submit a concrete plan to phase out coal, oil and gas, insisting that the transition must include safeguards for workers and communities that depend on the industry.

Guterres highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, noting that the world must accelerate decarbonisation to meet the Paris Agreement targets. He warned that without clear timelines and commitments, the risks of extreme weather events, sea‑level rise and economic instability will only grow. The speech also underscored the need for coordinated international support, including technology transfer and financial assistance, to help developing countries meet the dual goals of emission reductions and social protection.

The Secretary‑General’s plea marks a significant step in the UN’s climate agenda, signalling that the global community must move beyond rhetoric and adopt actionable, time‑bound strategies. The call for transition plans with worker‑protection measures has already prompted several governments to review their energy policies and to seek new partnerships aimed at a just and inclusive shift away from fossil fuels.