A Call for Accountable Transitions: UN Highlights NRGI’s Work on Responsible Exit
The recent report from the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change, The Imperative of defossilizing our economies, makes clear that phasing out fossil fuels this decade is essential for a just, effective and transformative transition.
Importantly, the report addresses how this transition must unfold: states—including in the Global South—must embed fossil fuel phaseout into new economic models that uphold human rights, protect the environment and prioritize future generations. As the report puts it:
“States, including in the global South, should consider the phaseout as part of an obligation to develop new economic models.”
The report also places clear responsibility on companies in this transition, echoing recommendations long championed by NRGI and partners:
Oil and gas companies must not walk away from cleanup obligations when exiting projects.
Specifically, the report calls on companies to “abstain from offloading closure liabilities by way of divestment” (p. 22, footnote 79). This language directly reflects NRGI and Carbon Tracker’s Responsible Exit Principles. The framework guides companies to manage fossil fuel asset transfers transparently and responsibly—protecting communities, workers and the environment from the long-term harms and cleanup burdens fossil fuel projects can leave behind.
Nicola Woodroffe, Lead Legal Analyst at NRGI, who developed the Responsible Exit Principles, explains:
“Petroleum asset transfers require clarity on how the buyer and seller will manage environmental and social impacts, including any liabilities attached to the asset. Proper management post-transfer is crucial for maintaining social license to operate and adhering to international standards.”
With global costs for decommissioning—the process of safely closing and cleaning up oil and gas facilities—estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars, these principles are essential for a fair and accountable energy transition.
This recognition from the UN highlights the growing influence of NRGI’s work in shaping responsible, transparent, and just fossil fuel transitions worldwide.
Watch and learn
Below, watch Nicola Woodroffe’s video from Climate Week NYC 2025, where she discusses the Responsible Exit Principles and their vital role in advancing just and accountable energy transitions.
Explore the Responsible Exit Principles
To understand how fossil fuel asset transfers can be managed responsibly and transparently, read our detailed Responsible Exit Principles.
Learn about transparency and stakeholder engagement
For a deeper dive into transparency and stakeholder engagement standards that should guide fossil fuel exits, read Nicola’s blog post.