For the first time in the three-decade history of climate change negotiations, diplomats from nearly 200 countries have endorsed a global pact explicitly advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels, including oil, gas, and coal, known contributors to the perilous warming of the planet.
The sweeping agreement, which comes during the hottest year in recorded history, reached on Wednesday after two weeks of furious debate at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai.
The president of this year’s U.N. sponsored summit, the UAE’s Sultan Al Jaber, brokered an agreement that was strong enough for the U.S. and European Union on the need to curb fossil fuel use while keeping Saudi Arabia and other oil producers on board.
What is the Deal?
The agreement calls for countries to quickly shift energy systems away from fossil fuels in a just and orderly fashion.
In the next two years, each participating nation is required to submit a comprehensive, formal plan outlining how it intends to curb greenhouse gas emissions up to 2035.
“An agreement is only as good as its implementation. We are what we do, not what we say,” Sultan Al Jaber said. “We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible actions.”
The deal also seeks to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
It remains to be seen if countries follow through on the agreement. Scientists say that nations will need to slash their greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 43 percent this decade if they hope to limit total global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to previous levels. Beyond this level, scientists warn of challenges including rising sea levels, wildfires, extreme storms, and drought, making adaptation increasingly difficult for humans.
No Explicit “Phase Out" Language for Oil and Gas
The climate deal, however, refrained from explicitly demanding a "phase-out" of oil and gas usage, as proposed by a coalition of over 100 nations, including the US, Canada, and the European Union. This decision is a response to the strong opposition from the Saudi Arabia-led OPEC bloc of oil-producing nations.
The deal, however, seeks accelerated efforts towards “the phase-down of unabated coal power”, the only fossil fuel to be targeted with strong language.
What are the criticisms of the climate deal?
Insufficient financial commitment: The agreement is faulted for only "noting the need" for additional financial support to aid poorer nations in transitioning away from fossil fuels and preparing for the impacts of climate change.It has not been made a requirement for developed countries to provide more financial support to the developing world.
Fairness Concerns: Developing nations argue that the language on "transitioning away from fossil fuels" does not place a specific burden on developed countries to lead in this transition. They assert that expecting all nations to undertake this shift simultaneously is unfair, especially considering that developed countries have economically benefited from the use of oil, gas, and coal for a more extended period.
India's Reaction to COP28 Climate Deal
Speaking at the closing plenary of the COP28, Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said the collective efforts here have sent positive signals to the world in reinforcing commitment to maintaining the temperature goals set in Paris.
“The way ahead must be based on equity and climate justice, let us implement the Paris Agreement in letter and spirit through the Global Stocktake process,” he said.
As the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India is a crucial player in the global fight against climate change.
