Speaking to journalists at UN Headquarters following a meeting with civil society climate leaders from across the world, UN secretary-general António Guterres warned that countries must phase out coal and other fossil fuels to avert climate “catastrophe”.

He said limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C is still possible but will require a 45 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. Current policies will lead to a 2.8C temperature rise by the end of the century, he stated. Mr. Guterres stressed that the fossil fuel industry should apply its massive resources “to drive, not obstruct” the global transition to renewable energy.

The UN chief has previously proposed establishing a Climate Solidarity Pact under which rich nations would support emerging economies with cutting emissions. Another proposal for an Acceleration Agenda calls on governments to phase out coal by 2040, end public and private international coal funding, and shift subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables, among other measures.

“But the fossil fuel industry and its enablers have a special responsibility,” he said, noting the record “$4 trillion windfall” in income last year.

He added: “Yet for every dollar it spends on oil and gas drilling and exploration, only four cents went to clean energy and carbon capture combined. Trading the future for 30 pieces of silver is immoral”.

“Fossil fuel companies must also cease and desist influence peddling and legal threats designed to kneecap progress. I am thinking particularly of recent attempts to subvert net-zero alliances, invoking anti-trust legislation,” he said.

The call comes as the UN is getting more strict on is own events, requiring delegates attending its annual climate summit to disclose their affiliation and reduce lobbying influence.

In the past the Conferences of the Parties (COPs), have seen many delegates that are in fact working for oil and gas, but not disclosing this fact. Several groups have campaigned to stop the practice, and now all delegates will be asked to provide optional information on their relationship with the government agency or organisation that's nominated them. Those failing to do so will be flagged as such.

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