A just fossil fuel phase-out: equity between north and south

Why equity is central

Fossil fuels have driven climate change — but responsibility is deeply unequal.

  • High-income countries built their wealth on two centuries of fossil fuel use.

  • The Global North accounts for the majority of historical emissions.

  • Many Global South countries contributed little to the problem but face the worst impacts.

  • Several developing countries depend heavily on fossil fuel revenues for public services, jobs and debt repayment.

A rapid phase-out is scientifically necessary. But it must also be fair — or it will not happen.

What does an equitable phase-out mean?

  • Differentiated timelines

    • Wealthy, diversified producers must phase out first and fastest.

    • Countries with high historical emissions must take the lead.

    • Fossil fuel–dependent developing countries need more time as well as support.

  • No new expansion anywhere : equity does not justify new fossil fuel expansion. Science is clear: to keep 1.5°C within reach, no new oil, gas or coal fields can be developed.

  • Support for economic diversification for countries highly dependent on fossil fuel revenues (e.g. Nigeria, Iraq, Angola, Colombia):

    • Investment in renewable energy

    • Industrial diversification

    • Public revenue replacement

    • Social protection systems

Without alternatives, phase-out becomes politically and socially destabilizing.

  • Just transition for workers and communities

    • Income protection

    • Reskilling

    • Public investment in affected regions

    • Democratic participation in transition planning

Why equity is strategic

A fair phase-out:

  • Increases political feasibility

  • Reduces geopolitical tension

  • Prevents economic shocks

  • Builds global trust and cooperation

Without equity, phase-out efforts will fracture along North–South lines. With equity, the transition becomes a shared global project. 

A just phase-out is not charity. It is climate realism.