The ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) taking place in Dubai is set to conclude on Tuesday 12 December, with the possibility of an extension if negotiations persist.
In recent developments, the negotiations have been focused on reaching a preliminary agreement that can be accepted by all participating parties. A potential draft agreement was presented yesterday, which outlined different alternatives for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, these options did not include a complete “phasing out” of fossil fuel usage.
The presidency of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has put forth a compromise proposal aimed at achieving consensus among the attending States Parties in Dubai. This proposal seeks to reduce both the consumption and production of traditional fuels.
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As per the information disclosed, the draft agreement encompasses eight potential approaches that states can adopt to decrease emissions. These options entail the fair, systematic, and equitable reduction of both the consumption and production of conventional fuels, with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, if not earlier.
Furthermore, the draft agreement highlights additional measures, such as the ambitious goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. It also emphasizes the rapid discontinuation of coal usage without employing greenhouse gas emission reduction techniques and emphasizes the expansion of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions.
Decrease in use of coal
Regarding coal, the document emphasizes the urgent need for a substantial decrease in the use of coal without carbon capture technology. It specifically calls for limitations on permits granted for new coal-fired power plants.
Additionally, the text includes a section dedicated to “low-emission” technologies, which encompasses nuclear energy, carbon capture techniques, and the production of “low-carbon” hydrogen. The section which spans 21 pages aims to enhance endeavors aimed at replacing conventional fuels in energy systems without relying on carbon capture technology.
Azerbaijan to host COP29
In addition, an official announcement was made that Azerbaijan would host the upcoming COP29 next year.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the decisive factor for the success of COP28 would be the ability to reach an agreement on rapidly reducing the utilization of coal, oil, and gas in order to avert disastrous climate change. He clarified to reporters at the Dubai conference that this did not imply that all countries were obligated to phase out fossil fuels simultaneously.
COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber affirmed that the delegates from the participating countries were still engaged in extensive work to negotiate an agreement before the conclusion of the Conference.
Work still lay ahead
It was highlighted by Al Jaber that despite some progress, it was crucial to acknowledge that a significant amount of work still lay ahead. The ultimate objective was highlighted to be the attainment of an outcome that aligned with scientific findings and remained within the targeted limit of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
According to the COP28 President, the need to address all matters, including the formula concerning fossil fuels, with utmost ambition was underscored. It was noted that there were unresolved aspects that required agreement, and a strong determination was urged in approaching each issue to achieve the best possible outcome.
The existence of a draft text that necessitated collective agreement was mentioned. It was stated that the negotiation period had reached its conclusion, leaving no room for hesitation. The imperative to make decisive choices and move forward was emphasized, Al Jaber noted.
Phasing out use of fossil fuels
For the past 30 years, UN conferences have failed to achieve an agreement on phasing out the use of fossil fuels. However, a coalition consisting of over 100 countries, including prominent oil and gas producers like the United States, Canada, and Norway, alongside the European Union and climate-vulnerable island states, is determined to reach such an agreement. Their collective aim is to gradually eliminate the reliance on fossil fuels, marking a significant shift in previous conference outcomes.
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