Laudato Si’ Animators at the United Nations Complex in Nairobi during the Civil Society Preparatory Meeting for the Summit of the Future
The future of our planet and humanity’s collective well-being just took a significant turn. At the recently concluded “Summit of the Future,” the United Nations General Assembly adopted the “Pact for the Future”—a landmark agreement that explicitly calls for the phase-out of fossil fuels. For many of us in the Laudato Si’ Movement, this is an affirmation of what we have long advocated for: a clear, global commitment to address the climate crisis at its root.
Signed by the U.N.’s 193 member nations, it lays out 56 broad actions to address the world’s biggest challenges, from strengthening partnerships to tackle the world’s biggest problems to enhancing prevention of misuse of technology, but at its heart is a reaffirmation of the Paris Agreement’s commitment to tackle climate change. It emphasizes a need for tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030, while accelerating efforts to phase down unabated coal power.
The U.N. also encouraged countries to phase out fossil fuel subsidies “as soon as possible.” This is crucial, as continuing to subsidize fossil fuels is akin to investing in a dying past at the cost of a sustainable future. The emphasis on renewable energy and efficiency is exactly what we need, and it is closely aligned with Laudato Si’. It is also in line with Pope Francis’ vision for an economy and an energy system that truly serve the people and preserve our beautiful planet.
A Test for True Climate Leadership
The Summit of the Future’s outcome is not just a political victory but a moral one as well, reminding us of Pope Francis’ words in Laudato Si’: “We know that technology based on the use of highly polluting fossil fuels—especially coal, but also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas—needs to be progressively replaced without delay.” We must continue to dialogue with all countries, especially those whose wealth has come at the cost of our climate, show true leadership by ending fossil fuel dependency and supporting developing nations in their transition.
Hope and Action: Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this moment of hope, we must also acknowledge that our work is far from over. The Pact for the Future sets a direction, but it will be our persistent and coordinated actions that will make this vision a reality. Let us work together to ensure that “follow-up action” is not just a suggestion, but a mandate that we hold our leaders accountable to. The future we envision—a future where people and planet thrive in harmony—begins now. With the adoption of the “Pact for the Future,” we have a global mandate. Now, it’s up to us to ensure that this mandate becomes action, and that the commitment to phase out fossil fuels turns into an unwavering reality.