UN chief criticizes oil companies

Unfair self-commitments to net zero greenhouse gas emissions, which do not relate to nuclear products, are “poisoning our planet,” he said Tuesday, according to the text of the speech at the world climate conference in Egypt. Companies should fully offset all climate-damaging emissions, ie direct, indirect and also those from their supply chains.

False promises of climate neutrality are despicable. “It’s pure fraud,” Guterres said. Such deception could push the world over the “climate cliff”. “Net zero emissions” means that only as much carbon dioxide emissions are caused as can be compensated – for example by underground storage of CO2 or afforestation.

A year ago at the UN Climate Change Conference, Guterres instructed a board of experts to develop standards and guidelines for climate protection promises to curb “greenwashing” by states and corporations. Greenwashing refers to strategies by which companies or states incorrectly present themselves as particularly environmentally friendly.

The 17 experts now presented recommendations in Egypt. Among other things, they propose that large companies in particular report extensively on their progress in the field of climate protection.

The panel chair, former Canadian Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, said climate protection promises by industry, the financial sector, as well as cities and regions must be “ambitious, transparent and credible”. There are now clear standards and criteria for this. “Our planet can afford no more delays, no more excuses and no more greenwashing,” she said.

Guterres said the commitments made by companies, cities and regions should include milestones on their journey to carbon neutrality every five years and for all their emissions. His message is: “Comply with this standard and update your guidelines immediately – and if possible before COP28.” The next UN climate conference, COP28, will take place in the United Arab Emirates at the end of next year.

(SDA)