The United Nations has raised alarm over a massive disinformation campaign led by fossil fuel companies, which is hindering the global shift to renewable energy. According to Selwin Hart, UN Assistant Secretary General and special adviser on climate, this campaign is promoting a narrative that climate action is too difficult and expensive, contributing to a perceived backlash against green policies.
However, this backlash is largely manufactured. A global poll revealed that 72% of people support a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, including majorities in countries that heavily rely on coal, oil, and gas. Despite setbacks in some regions, green policies are gaining ground, with once-radical ideas becoming mainstream.
Hart urged political leaders to resist the disinformation, emphasizing the urgent need for ambitious climate action. He warned that inaction is already having severe consequences, such as rising insurance costs in the U.S. due to extreme weather driven by climate change. Meanwhile, the fossil fuel industry continues to profit, often with the help of government subsidies.
The UN is calling for updated national plans under the Paris Agreement, requiring clear targets and policies for emissions reductions. These plans should be developed through broad consultations to ensure they are fair and do not disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.
In a world increasingly threatened by climate change, the UN stresses that now is the time for maximum cooperation and ambition in the fight against climate breakdown.
For associations, the UN's warning about the fossil fuel industry's disinformation campaign underscores the urgent need to counteract false narratives and advocate for effective climate action. Associations must play a key role in debunking myths about the costs and challenges of renewable energy, providing clear, factual information to support public understanding and policy development.
By engaging diverse stakeholders and holding governments accountable to ambitious climate goals, associations can help ensure that the global transition to green energy is both equitable and effective. Their leadership is crucial in driving a swift, inclusive, and just shift away from fossil fuels.
At CAFA, we empower associations to take the lead by providing guidance and vital support, including assistance with developing climate strategies and emissions reporting. Through promoting peer to peer learning, we help associations fulfil their sustainability commitments effectively, ensuring they can thrive and adapt in an ever-changing world.
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