The outcomes of the COP28 UN climate summit in Dubai have ignited both hope and disappointment among global representatives and environmental activists. The initial draft proposal, unveiled on Monday, faced backlash for its tepid approach towards addressing climate change, particularly its failure to advocate for a comprehensive phase-out of fossil fuels. This lack of ambition drew criticism from key stakeholders, including environmental groups, the U.S., the European Union, and vulnerable island nations, all of whom had pushed for more robust commitments to combat the climate crisis.
In response to the mounting pressure and dissatisfaction, representatives at the COP28 summit made crucial adjustments to the climate deal on Wednesday, 13 December. The revised agreement now features a more explicit call for a global shift away from fossil fuels, a move welcomed by those who had expressed concerns over the initial proposal’s inadequacies.
The updated agreement recognizes the urgency of intense, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the 1.5 °C pathways outlined in the Paris Agreement.
During the COP28 Climate Conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asserted that for those who opposed a direct mention of fossil fuel phase-out, the reality remains unchanged.
“Whether embraced or resisted, the inevitable phase-out of fossil fuels is underway. Let’s hope it unfolds before it’s too late,” he stated.
The new commitments outlined in the agreement call for a tripling of renewable energy capacity globally and a doubling of the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. In addition, there is an emphasis on accelerating efforts to phase down unabated coal power, promoting the transition to net-zero emission energy systems, and facilitating the shift away from fossil fuels in energy systems. The agreement underscores the importance of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with scientific recommendations and stressing the need for a just, orderly, and equitable transition.
Moreover, the COP28 agreement highlights the significance of accelerating the development and deployment of zero- and low-emission technologies, including renewables, nuclear, and carbon capture and utilization. The commitment to reduce non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally, particularly methane emissions by 2030, and addressing emissions from road transport through infrastructure development and the deployment of zero- and low-emission vehicles is also highlighted. Furthermore, the agreement calls for the phasing out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies that fail to address energy poverty or just transitions.
Dr. Shehnaaz Moosa, Director at the influential climate change non-profit SouthSouthNorth, emphasized the need for a holistic approach in addressing climate challenges.
“Whilst we should not take our eye off the goal of urgently reducing emissions in line with 1.5°C, just transitions that place the most climate-affected communities and most vulnerable at the heart of this action need to be reflected in the decision text,” she told DevelopmentAid.
Dr. Moosa welcomed ambitious and practical emissions reduction goals and net-zero emissions by 2050. However, she stressed that the narrative of mitigation should be inseparable from inclusive and transformative resilience efforts that aim to avoid, minimize, and address loss and damages. This perspective highlights the interconnected nature of climate action, emphasizing the importance of considering social, environmental, and equity dimensions in mitigation strategies.
She highlighted the pivotal challenges and opportunities facing African nations in the commitment to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. Despite abundant resources, Africa’s meager 3% share of global renewable energy capacity calls for international support. Dr. Moosa highlighted the push to phase down coal aligning with African infrastructure expansion, necessitating overcoming financial and technological barriers. The global net-zero commitment requires equitable transitions for Africa, demanding international collaboration and financial aid. She underlined that technology transfer, methane reduction, sustainable transport, and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies are crucial for Africa’s climate action and require global inclusivity and targeted support.
The climate summit’s initial draft, revealed on December 12, received criticism for its inadequate commitment to phasing out fossil fuels. Environmental groups, the U.S., the European Union, and vulnerable island nations opposed the document which proposed only a reduction. Simultaneously, a coalition of nations, including Australia, the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Japan, refused to endorse what they termed “death certificates” for small island states. They called for a more robust agreement to effectively tackle the pressing issues of the climate crisis.
Khaled Suliman, an environmental activist, pointed out to DevelopmentAid a significant omission in the initial draft of the climate summit outcomes as it did not clearly call for the reduction of fossil fuels. The document met with objections from various countries, prompting the summit’s extension from Sunday to Monday for additional negotiations to take place. Additional clauses were introduced to address concerns which received positive responses, including from the African party which tempered its objections. Nevertheless, Khaled remains critical, asserting that the final document falls short of explicitly advocating for the cessation of fossil fuels, deviating from the initial ambition of achieving net-zero carbon. He highlighted a significant distinction between zero carbon and net-zero carbon. He contends that the final draft of the climate summit outcomes calls for a “transition away” from fossil fuels rather than a gradual elimination or reduction.
Tasneem Essop, Executive Director of Climate Action Network International, highlighted:
“In the hottest year on record, our collective power signaled the need to transition away from fossil fuels. However, vulnerable countries should not bear the burden of funding this transition. Polluting nations must deliver funding for a just and equitable shift. While COP opened the road to a fossil-free world, challenges and distractions remain. We are determined to secure international support for developing nations, enabling ambitious commitments and a fair transition to a fossil-free future.”
