Story perspectives

Figueres: Fossil Fuels Threaten Health, Stability Worldwide

4/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Christiana Figueres, former United Nations climate chief, warned that fossil fuel reliance holds countries hostage, harming health and stability.
She co-chairs a Lancet Commission on sea-level rise, health inequities, and related impacts, with a report due by September 2027.
The commission will explore legal accountability for major polluters and assess existing protections.
In May, Vanuatu will lead a UN resolution to uphold a 2025 ICJ opinion on climate obligations.

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Story summary

Christiana Figueres, former United Nations climate chief, warned that fossil fuel reliance holds countries hostage, harming health and stability.
She co-chairs a Lancet Commission on sea-level rise, health inequities, and related impacts, with a report due by September 2027.
The commission will explore legal accountability for major polluters and assess existing protections.
In May, Vanuatu will lead a UN resolution to uphold a 2025 ICJ opinion on climate obligations.