COP28 finally agrees on deal to phase out fossil fuels
14 Dec 2023
United Nations Climate Conference COP 28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, finally agreed on a deal that calls for the phasing out of all fossil fuels, as countries shift more and more towards cleaner fuels.
The latest proposal published by the UAE, calls for “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.”
The revised text of the agreement comes after protests by delegates and climate activists over the failure to include any reference to the need for ending the use of fossil fuels. Delegates attending the 28th ministerial of COP were divided over the future use of fossil fuels.
The previous draft issued on Monday suggested various options for countries to fight climate change, but excluded the crucial phase-out of fossil fuels.
“With an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels, The UAE consensus is delivering a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies,” UAE, the summit’s presidency, stated in a social media release.
The final text includes a global goal to triple renewables and double energy efficiency, declarations on agriculture, food and health, more oil and gas companies stepping up for the first time on methane and emissions and the need to cut down fossil fuels, the statement adds.
“Whilst we didn’t turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end,” said UN climate chief Simon Stiell, but added, “We’re currently headed for just under 3 degrees. This still equates to mass human suffering, which is why COP28 needed to move the needle further. The global stocktake showed us clearly that progress is not fast enough, but undeniably it is gathering pace.”
Despite the delays in arriving at a consensus on climate action, delegates at the COP 28 agreed on the details of a landmark deal to create a fund to help the world’s most vulnerable countries pay for the impacts of climate disasters.
Besides, nearly 120 governments pledged to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Several delegates also talked of government initiatives to expand nuclear power and slash methane emissions.
The world, however, is far away from the original Paris Agreement goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent and thereby limiting global warming to 1.5 degree C by 2030.
