Top UN Scientist Accuses U.S., Others of Diluting Critical Fossil Fuel Report

A lead scientist has accused the United States and several other governments of weakening a major United Nations environmental report. The expert claims these nations worked to remove clear language about reducing fossil fuel use. Professor Johan Rockström, co-chair of the UN’s Global Environment Outlook (GEO) report, said the document was "hijacked." He stated that delegations from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Brazil, among others, challenged key scientific findings during final approval talks. The GEO report is a cornerstone study meant to guide global environmental policy. Scientists say government delegates disputed passages stating the need for a "phase out" of all fossil fuels to meet climate goals. This intervention resulted in a diluted final agreement. The approved text now uses less direct language, which scientists argue undermines the report’s urgency and clarity. The incident highlights the ongoing political tension between scientific recommendations and national economic interests in international climate negotiations.