Climate policy
Fossil Fuel Phase-Out
The deliberate, managed end of fossil fuel production and use, elevated to the centre of international climate policy by the COP28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
Definition
Fossil fuel phase-out refers to policies and pathways that progressively eliminate the production and consumption of coal, oil, and gas. The first global stocktake under the Paris Agreement, agreed at COP28 in 2023, called on Parties to contribute to "transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner" — the first explicit reference to all fossil fuels in a COP decision.
References
Overview
What it means
For decades, UN climate texts avoided naming fossil fuels. COP28 marked a turning point: the presidency described the outcome as "the beginning of the end" for the fossil fuel era. The decision also called for accelerating the phase-down of unabated coal power and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, while leaving the pace and pathway to national governments.
How it is used
Governments debate phase-out dates for coal and internal combustion engines; campaigners track fossil fuel expansion against phase-out commitments; and energy ministries design just-transition plans for fossil-dependent regions and workers.
Why it matters
Phase-out is the central unresolved question of climate policy: modelling shows no pathway consistent with 1. 5 °C without a rapid decline in fossil fuel use, yet production plans in many countries still point in the opposite direction.
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