These three fossil fuels – relics of past worlds – remain the mainstays of global energy supplies. At the same time, they pose a serious threat: the burning of these fuels is responsible for most of the man-made carbon dioxide CO₂ emissions which continue to heat up the Earth.

In 2023, coal, oil and gas were responsible for over 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with coal accounting for almost half of all fossil fuel-related emissions.

Research suggests that, from the mid-2020s, emissions from these sources should level off and then gradually fall. The trend is moving in the right direction. But the phase-out is still too slow: to effectively contain rising temperatures, it must be accelerated.

Apart from preserving a liveable climate, the phase-out of coal, oil and gas offers numerous advantages. Reduced fossil fuel use also means a decrease in toxic substances polluting the environment and the air we breathe.

An energy transition also makes economic sense. In many countries, solar and wind power is already cheaper than energy from fossil fuels. In addition, renewables end people’s reliance on oil and gas produced by despotic regimes.

In a word, there’s a lot to be gained by opting out – clean air, safe water, fertile and stable landscapes, and reduced geopolitical tensions, to mention just a few points.