The production and use of coal, oil and gas must rapidly decline to to keep the 1.5°C global warming goal in reach. At COP28, governments agreed to “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner”. What this means and how it can be achieved in practice are some of the most pertinent and complex questions our society faces as we race to keep 1.5°C in reach, especially for fossil fuel producers in low and lower-middle income countries (LLMICs).