In August 2022, QUNO submitted to a consultation on “Net Zero” to the United Nations Secretary General. This consultation emphasized the need for real transformation of the root causes driving climate change, and avoidance of “greenwashing” under some “net zero” approaches. In particular, the submission drew attention to the need for rapid reduction and use of fossil fuels for a safer chance to remain within a 1.5C temperature rise limit. Along with highlighting the need for rapid reduction, the submission draws attention to threats in renewable energy investment being sidelined by investment into geo-engineering such as off-sets and carbon capture storage, the latter technology being expensive, not yet available to scale, prone to emission leakage and enabling ongoing fossil fuel extraction and burning activities. QUNO’s submission draws attention to the actions we can take to achieve net zero emissions and emphasizes the importance of conserving and restoring ecosystems.
To read the entire submission, click here.