Final COP28 Climate Deal Doesn't Call For Phase Out Of Fossil Fuels
A final deal at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai has been approved.
The document mentions a "transitioning away" from fossil fuels, but it stops short of using the words "phase out".
It's been agreed on by almost 200 countries - but is being criticised by some activists for not going far enough to cut emissions.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, says the agreement falls short.
"The COP28 agreement, while signalling the need to bring about the end of the fossil fuel era, falls short by failing to commit to a full fossil fuel phase out.
"If 1.5°C is our ‘North Star’, and science our compass, we must swiftly phase out all fossil fuels to chart a course towards a liveable future.
"To fail to keep global warming below 1.5°C has catastrophic implications for the most vulnerable communities and countries".
Mary Robinson acknowledged the progress made at COP28, but says there was "game playing" at the summit.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, reacts to the final COP28 agreement:
“The COP28 agreement, while signalling the need to bring about the end of the fossil fuel era, falls short by failing to commit to a full fossil fuel phase out.
If 1.5°C is our ‘North Star’, and science… pic.twitter.com/aLqQuqzvkp— The Elders (@TheElders) December 13, 2023
"At COP28 transparency, equity and climate justice have been undermined by misleading language, false solutions and game-playing. Furthermore, the final agreement lacks the critical financial keys to unlock the trillions of dollars needed for any just transition. Without providing the necessary means for implementation we doom those countries on the frontlines of the climate emergency to failure."
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan, who's in Dubai, says he feels today's agreement is a breakthrough.
"For 30 years, we've had the United Nations meeting and this is the 28th time and we've never really addressed the core of the problem. And today we just have, and it's not just a signal and the start of the end of fossil fuels.
"It's also the start of a new renewable and efficient and more just energy and economic future is the potential and we have to deliver it."
Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber speaks during a press conference at COP28, 30-11-2023. Image: ZUMA Press, Inc. / AlamyResponding to the news at the conference, COP28 President, Sultan Al Jaber, thanked the negotiators for their work in addressing global warming.
"My colleagues and friends, you did step up, you showed flexibility, and you put common interest ahead of self interest. We have the basis to make transformational change happen".
