Dubai, In a pivotal moment at the COP28 summit, a draft climate deal has ignited heated discussions by sidestepping the explicit commitment to phase out fossil fuels. The proposed agreement suggests various measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but fails to satisfy the demands of over 100 countries calling for an eventual end to the era of oil, drawing criticism from the U.S., EU, and climate-vulnerable nations.
The two-week summit in Dubai has laid bare stark international divisions on whether oil, gas, and coal should have a role in a climate-friendly future. The draft lists eight options to cut emissions, including “reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels” to achieve net zero by 2050. However, the absence of a concrete “phase out” commitment has triggered protests and criticism.
COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber urged the 200 participating countries to intensify efforts to finalize a deal, acknowledging the remaining disagreements. U.S. Special Climate Envoy John Kerry emphasized the need to strengthen the draft, calling it an existential battle for survival. EU chief negotiator Wopke Hoekstra deemed the draft “clearly insufficient.”
Pacific Island nations, already grappling with rising seas, expressed strong opposition, with Samoa’s environment minister insisting they cannot sign onto a text lacking a robust commitment to phasing out fossil fuels. Danish climate minister Dan Jorgensen noted that many countries oppose the current text.
A new draft document is expected on Tuesday, raising the stakes for a timely agreement. Sources suggest pressure from OPEC, particularly Saudi Arabia, led to the omission of fossil fuel references from the draft. As the world’s top emitter, China’s stance remains uncertain, with observers noting alignment with previous policy positions.
The outcome of COP28 remains uncertain, with negotiations underlining the delicate balance between environmental goals and the economic interests of major oil-producing nations.
By Reuters
