This call is outlined in the “Pact of the Future” — a plan for the U.N.’s 193 members to tackle challenges from conflicts to climate change. Warning that inaction threatens a future of crisis, it also laid out digital cooperation and AI governance.

In a press release, the U.N. said the pact was years in the making, aiming to solve today’s problems and prep for future ones. It was finalized at the opening of the “Summit of the Future” before the 79th U.N. General Assembly session on Tuesday.

The provision echoes a commitment from last year’s U.N. climate conference in Dubai. Critics said the agreement then lacked a clear path to phase out fossil fuels and had many loopholes.

Sunday’s pact outlines 56 actions to address global challenges. The U.N. emphasized that “follow-up action” is needed to ensure commitments are met.

The U.N.’s call to action on fossil fuels

In the Pact of the Future, signatories expressed concern over the slow progress in addressing climate change and the continuous rise in greenhouse gas emissions.

The pact reaffirmed commitment to the Paris climate agreement, aiming to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

It called for tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030, as well as accelerating efforts to phase down unabated coal power.

It encouraged the adoption of electric and low-emission vehicles and urged countries to phase out fossil fuel subsidies ASAP.

Climate activists applaud pact but say words are not enough

Alex Rafalowicz of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative praised the pact but stressed the need for a clear global plan to tackle fossil fuel production.

“Neglecting decisive action on the climate crisis’s root cause is a lost opportunity,” Rafalowicz said. “The time for half-measures and false solutions has passed.”

Romain Ioualalen from Oil Change International said the pact’s impact depends on national plans to phase out fossil fuels, with rich nations leading the way.

“Concrete financial commitments and rapid action are needed to secure a livable future within 1.5°C,” Ioualalen said, referencing the Paris Agreement’s global warming benchmark.

International Climate Politics Hub director Catherine Abreu said fossil fuel phaseout is the “new standard for climate action”. Countries must be accountable to this benchmark. Abreu added: “From now on, any country claiming climate leadership faces this test: do you have a fossil fuel transition plan? For rich producers, this includes supporting developing countries’ transitions.”