The COP28 talks on climate change continue on Tuesday as global powers attempt to reach an agreement to curb global warming in closed-door meetings.
New Draft for the Global Assessment
A new draft for the global assessment was released on Monday – the part of the talks that evaluates how well the world is achieving its climate change goals and how to achieve them – calling on countries to reduce “the consumption and production of fossil fuels in a fair, orderly, and balanced manner.”
Expected Delay in Conclusion
A revised version is expected to be issued on Tuesday, but many observers anticipate a delay in the conclusion, as is customary in UN talks.
Negotiation Delays
COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber requested countries to finalize the text, but negotiations are currently moving slowly.
Inclusion of Strong Language on Fossil Fuels
The UAE presidency states that the language used reflects tough negotiations and is the most ambitious outcome regarding action on fossil fuels in years. The revised final text also includes calls to accelerate zero and low-emission technologies – including renewable energy and nuclear energy – with language similar to a joint statement reached last month between the United States and China, the world’s largest emitters.
Objections and Criticisms
The draft has faced objections and criticisms from some parties. The Director General of COP28, Majid Al Suwaidi, stated that “it is important to have the right language regarding fossil fuels. It is important to think about how to balance that.” He added that “the goal is to reach a consensus. We do not want a single formula that creates hurdles in the process. We need the parties to cooperate because we need to return to the goal; the goal is to achieve 1.5 and reduce global emissions by 43 percent.”
Concerns About Fossil Fuels
At the expansive COP28 site on Tuesday, protesters continued to express their concerns about the impacts of climate change, particularly in developing countries and Pacific islands.
Call for Fossil Fuel Elimination
Some activist organizations stated that the new draft of the agreement does not meet the demands for a complete phasing out of fossil fuels based on what science requires and what more than 100 countries are calling for.
Criticism from Frontline Organizations
At a press conference titled “COP IS A FLOP,” groups from the U.S. frontline gathered to discuss the lack of progress at COP28.
Pressure on the Fossil Fuel Industry
Roman Yawalian, Director of Global Policy Campaigns at Oil Change International, stated that the draft does not reflect the demands of the global climate movement and climate justice for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels.
In summary, the COP28 talks on climate change in Dubai continue to face challenges regarding fossil fuels and reaching a final agreement. Protesters are expressing their concerns about the impacts of climate change, and frontline organizations are demanding a complete phase-out of fossil fuels. The focus should be on accelerating clean technologies and achieving climate-related targets.
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