UN Rapporteur Puentes Riaño: Why Tackling Fossil Fuels is Key to Conquering Climate Change

The recent COP30 meeting in Belem is a crucial turning point for nations struggling with climate change. Astrid Puentes Riaño, the UN Special Rapporteur for the human right to a clean environment, stresses that current political promises do not meet the urgent scientific needs. She argues that we must name fossil fuels in the final agreements to ensure accountability.

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Riaño emphasizes the importance of aligning discussions with human rights. While the conference is labeled a ‘COP of implementation,’ the reality is that existing drafts often overlook crucial issues like fossil fuel accountability. She insists that recognizing fossil fuels as the chief cause of climate change is non-negotiable. Without naming them, we lose sight of the problem.

According to Riaño, COP30 should yield clear outcomes: strong human rights references, acknowledgment of fossil fuels, and a concrete plan for transitioning to cleaner energy. This includes recognizing the need for higher financial commitments, especially for countries already suffering climate impacts, like Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, despite contributing minimally to global emissions, is facing dire effects. Riaño highlights that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) supports the notion that all states must protect the climate. This principle mandates accountability and reinforces that climate finance should be seen as an obligation, not charity.

Current pledges to the Loss and Damage Fund are about $788 million. However, Riaño feels this isn’t nearly enough. There is a growing need for international pressure to transform these funds from loans into grants to alleviate emerging climate debts, especially for vulnerable nations.

Interestingly, a recent survey found that many citizens believe wealthy nations should take more responsibility for climate change reparations, shifting public opinion toward mandatory support for those hardest hit.

Riaño advocates for strong measures to keep fossil fuel lobbying at bay during negotiations, drawing parallels to previous successful frameworks in tobacco control. She believes that prioritizing human rights can help dictate outcomes, ensuring public interest remains central.

With trillions needed for effective climate action, any progress at COP30 must focus on transforming current finance systems to support adaptation and mitigation fairly. Strong language indicating the right to a healthy environment should be front and center in the final agreements.

Recognizing our shared humanity and responsibility toward future generations is crucial. As Riaño puts it, “Obligations are clear”—and it’s time for action that reflects that clarity.

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