Some experts have welcomed what they see as the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era, as the new draft of the pivotal agreement at the COP28 climate summit includes an unprecedented reference to moving away from fossil fuels.
However, the new draft does not call for a “phased-out” approach to coal, oil, and gas as desired by over 100 countries. It includes “loopholes” that could allow the continued use of these materials, even beyond 2050.
The draft, which is still under discussion, asks nations to “contribute” collectively to global efforts to reduce climate pollution in the manner they deem appropriate.
It presents 8 options, including “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems.. and accelerating action in this critical decade to achieve net zero by 2050.”
Countries can opt for other resolutions, such as contributing to the global goal of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency.
Climate advocates and policy experts have praised the call for a shift away from fossil fuels, a key driver of the climate crisis, saying it sends a signal to countries to plan for phasing out coal, oil, and gas. It acknowledges that this decade is crucial for action.
In a statement, Teresa Anderson, a global leader in climate justice at ActionAid, said the draft “sends a signal that the days of the fossil fuel industry are numbered.”
However, Anderson pointed out several weaknesses in the draft, including references to accelerating growth in “removal technologies,” also known as carbon capture, which could allow the continued use of fossil fuels if carbon pollution is removed before entering the atmosphere.
Many scientists have expressed concerns about carbon capture being costly, unproven on a large scale, and distracting from policies to reduce fossil fuel use.
Anderson stated that “the text includes many loopholes, offering many advantages to those engaging in greenwashing, for its references to carbon capture and storage, so-called transitional fuels, nuclear energy, and carbon markets.”
Overall, the text “paves a bumpy road towards a fossil fuel-free future,” she mentioned.
The draft was released Wednesday morning local time, over 12 hours past the summit’s deadline, as talks continued for hours amid negotiations on fossil fuel language and other contentious points.
There is a strong desire to conclude the talks by the end of the day, requiring a vote on the draft in a public session available online.
What to do about the future of fossil fuels was the most controversial issue in these talks.
Some of the more ambitious countries and climate groups expressed anger and frustration at the removal of a previous draft’s call for a phased-out approach to fossil fuels.
If the countries agree on the text, it will represent a “significant moment.”
Stephen Cornelius, WWF’s Global Deputy of Climate and Energy, said in a statement: “This cannot be the standard by which we judge the outcomes of the Conference of Parties,” adding, “Countries must use these last hours to push for a more ambitious text that aligns fully with preventing the most destructive consequences of the climate crisis.”
Climate talks are often divisive and run into extra hours, but COP28 has been particularly charged, with criticisms that oil interests have derailed the process.
OPEC’s Secretary-General, Haitham Al Ghais, called last week for members and allies to “preemptively reject” any language targeting the reduction of fossil fuel use, urging support for formulations focusing on “emissions” instead.
While speaking with journalists in Dubai, Katherine Abreu, Founder and Executive Director of “Destination Zero,” reported that Saudi Arabia and Iraq were among the countries that did not want to mention phased-out fossil fuels in the text.
Kuwait’s official news agency, KUNA, also confirmed that the country’s delegation to COP28 rejected this wording as well.
In a press conference, Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative for the UAE’s COP Presidency, said: “We are in the midst of the most demanding program ever at a Conference of Parties.”
