Our dependency on fossil fuels will make net-zero impossible

As of 2019, the world’s energy is 84% dependent on fossil fuels. This is a decrease from the previous decade, but the state of the downward trend is not promising when put against the various carbon neutral targets set for the middle of this century. There is progress, but not at the necessary rate.^[1] Transport is almost universally a high emitting sector. Still, little attention has been given to it compared to, say, industry, where the switch to low-emissions has a financial incentive. For example, the UK has taken a great interest in wind turbines, but renewable energy alone is not a sufficient tonic to the multifaceted nature of emissions. Then there are oil behemoths such as Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia who rely on fossil fuels for 100% of their energy needs. These nations are not likely to uproot their infrastructure and may well undo global operations. Of course, these countries are the only ones at the top of the emissions pyramid- at least 50 are dependent on fossil fuels for 85% of their energy.^[2] In many large cities around the world, this is apparent in the air: Indians and Singaporeans have been using face masks long before Covid to avoid toxic fumes exposure. An ethos of relentless urbanisation is to blame, without green countermeasures existing until recently. In this way, fossil-fuel use is a direct product of ever upscaling societies. Individual action is not enough- we need an ideological reformation. Past technological revelations such as the development of mass-produced vehicles and diesel, air travel, and gas heating need to be reworked from the ground up.^[3] This needs to be the focus above all else or net-zero will remain a fantasy.