More than 130 large companies ask governments for a plan to stop using fossil fuels

More than 130 large companies around the world have signed a letter calling on governments to adopt a plan to stop using fossil fuels without resorting to carbon capture.

The letter, addressed to the leaders of the G20 countries, was published on August 2, 2023. In it, the companies claim that it is possible to stop using fossil fuels by 2035 without resorting to carbon capture.

The signatory companies represent a wide range of sectors, including energy, transportation, manufacturing and services. Among them are:

• Energy companies: Iberdrola, SSE, Engie, E.ON, RWE, Vattenfall, Equinor, and TotalEnergies
• Transport companies: Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens Mobility, Volvo Group, Scania, MAN Truck & Bus, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Motor Group and Toyota Motor Corporation
• Manufacturing companies: Schneider Electric, ABB, Siemens, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Legrand, Schneider Electric, Philips and Signify.
• Service companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, Apple, IBM, Salesforce, SAP and Oracle.

In the letter, the companies state that the transition to an energy system based on renewable energy is "an economic and employment opportunity." They also point out that the transition is necessary to address climate change.

"The science is clear: we must stop using fossil fuels to avoid the worst effects of climate change," the letter states. "Transitioning to an energy system based on renewable energy is the only way to do it."

The signatory companies are calling on governments to adopt a plan to stop using fossil fuels by 2035. The plan must include measures to:

• Invest in renewable energy: Governments must invest in the construction of new renewable energy plants and in the electrification of the transport and heating sectors.
• Eliminate fossil fuel subsidies: Governments must eliminate fossil fuel subsidies to make renewable energy more competitive.
• Establish a carbon price: Governments should establish a carbon price for fossil fuels to reflect their true environmental cost.

"Governments have a responsibility to lead the transition to a sustainable energy system," the letter states. "A plan to stop using fossil fuels by 2035 is essential to protect our planet and create a prosperous future for all."

The letter is an important step in the fight against climate change. The support of large companies shows that the transition to an energy system based on renewable energy is possible and necessary.

The letter could have a significant impact on governments' climate policies. Support from big business could help governments take more ambitious steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The letter could also help accelerate the transition to an energy system based on renewable energy. The signatory companies are committed to investing in renewable energy and electrifying their operations.

The transition to an energy system based on renewable energy will require significant investment. Governments will need to work with businesses to ensure they have access to the financial resources needed to make the transition.

The transition will also require changes in government policies. Governments will need to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and establish a carbon price for fossil fuels.

Despite the challenges, the letter is an important step in the fight against climate change. The support of large companies shows that the transition to an energy system based on renewable energy is possible and necessary.

I hope governments listen and decide to make a shift to eliminate fossil fuels as soon as possible. We would ALL win.