Stiell says it’s “beginning of the end” for fossil fuels in COP28 closing speech
In his closing address at COP28, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell lamented the lack of a clear signal to end the fossil fuel era, stating that while a complete turn of the page was not achieved in Dubai, the outcome marks “the beginning of the end” for fossil fuels.
He praised the COP28 outcome for tripling renewable energy targets, doubling energy efficiency goals, establishing a Global Goal on Adaptation framework, and operationalizing the loss and damage fund.
He emphasized that these initiatives are a lifeline, not a finish line, and called on governments and businesses to immediately translate pledges into tangible actions.
Stiell stressed the need for faster progress, urging countries to submit ambitious national climate plans that are in line with a 1.5-degree pathway.
He further acknowledged the crucial role of ordinary people in driving climate action, and concluded by stating that UN Climate Change remains committed to supporting every step of the journey in the race to a sustainable future.
