COP31 President of negotiations says we need to get off fossil fuels
For immediate release
“We do need to get off fossil fuels – but for this to work we need planned, government-led transitions that build economic resilience, energy security and sovereignty, and political stability. Without them, countries risk being trapped by the next fossil fuel crisis rather than preparing for the future beyond it.”
9 June 2026, Bonn – At the UN climate talks in Bonn, COP31 president of negotiations Chris Bowen said “we need to get off fossil fuels” when speaking to the increasing risks of fossil fuel dependence amid the illegal U.S.-Israeli wars.
In response, Shady Khalil, Senior Global Policy Strategist at Oil Change International said:
“We agree with the COP31 president of negotiations but leadership begins at home. As one of the largest exporters and expanders of fossil fuels, we need to see Australia show they are serious by accelerating fossil fuel phaseout by developing a domestic roadmap with concrete milestones, starting by imposing a 25% export tax on fossil fuels, as well as concrete policy measures – and push other rich Global North producers to move first and fastest for a just transition as well.
“While Bowen says we’re all in this together – that will only be true if this year’s COP works to break down the structural barriers that are blocking many Global South countries from their own energy transition: unfair trade rules, high debt burdens, and scarcity of public finance are keeping fossil fuels afloat.
“We do need to get off fossil fuels – but for this to work we need planned, government-led transitions that build economic resilience, energy security and sovereignty, and political stability. Without them, countries risk being trapped by the next fossil fuel crisis rather than preparing for the future beyond it.”
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