Ahead of the conclusion of the COP28 summit in Dubai, nearly 200 countries have agreed a deal which includes:
- For the first time, placing demands on nations to transition away from fossil fuels.
- Calling on countries to contribute toward global efforts to transition in a ‘just, orderly and equitable manner’.
- Continuing the aim of achieving net-zero by 2050, tripling renewable capacity and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency.
- The need for development of zero and low-emission technologies, particularly in hard-to-abate industries.
The deal has been described as ‘significant progress’ in tackling the climate crisis. However, for many climate activists and organisations the deal falls short of what they feel is required due to:
- Avoiding explicit language on the phasing out of fossil fuels, instead opting to term it as a transition.
- Inability to generate the hundreds of billions required to finance the transition in developing countries.
- Loopholes on technologies such as carbon capture.
- Small island states still being vulnerable to the worst impacts of climate change.
The United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, stated that ‘the era of fossil fuels must end’ and that it must end with ‘justice and equity’.