A new report released during the United Nations climate talks in Bonn has warned that the world must cut fossil fuel use by half by 2035 and eliminate it completely by 2070 to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The analysis, prepared by Climate Analytics, says urgent action is needed to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study is based on the Highest Possible Ambition scenario developed with the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. It recommends that global fossil fuel production and consumption should peak in 2025, fall by 20 percent by 2030 and reach a 50 percent reduction by 2035. According to the report, fossil fuels were responsible for about 70 percent of global emissions in 2023, making them the biggest contributor to climate change.
Researchers also urged governments to stop approving new oil and gas projects. Climate Analytics Chief Executive Bill Hare said expanding fossil fuel production is incompatible with efforts to tackle climate change. He warned that continued investment in new oil and gas fields would increase environmental risks and make it harder to achieve global climate targets.
Senior climate expert Dr Neil Grant said the world must sharply reduce fossil fuel use during this decade. He stressed that governments need to move toward cleaner energy sources instead of relying on coal, oil and gas. According to the report, global carbon dioxide emissions could reach net zero by around 2045, while overall greenhouse gas emissions could reach net zero by 2060 under the proposed pathway.
The report highlighted Pakistan’s growing shift toward solar energy. Dr Grant said households and businesses are increasingly installing solar panels because renewable energy is cheaper and more reliable than fossil fuel based electricity. He added that this transition is being driven largely by consumers rather than government policies.
He also warned that investing in new oil and gas projects in Pakistan carries significant financial risks. By the time such projects become operational, global demand for fossil fuels may have declined as more countries adopt renewable energy. Instead, he recommended greater investment in solar power, battery storage and electrification to support long term economic growth.
While acknowledging that countries will move at different speeds, the report says every nation should work toward ending its dependence on fossil fuels by 2070. Experts believe early planning and increased investment in clean energy will be essential to reduce emissions, strengthen energy security and limit the long term impact of climate change.
