Dubai deal hailed as ‘beginning of end’ for fossil fuels
The international community united in a pivotal decision to shift away from reliance on fossil fuels during UN negotiations held in Dubai. The COP28 summit, spanning 13 days and characterized by intense deliberations, culminated in a resounding consensus among 194 nations and the European Union.
Amidst a backdrop of skepticism, Sultan Al Jaber, the Emirati president of COP28, and head of the United Arab Emirates’ national oil company, wielded the gavel, proclaiming a collective commitment to combat climate change. Acknowledging the challenges faced during the negotiations, Al Jaber commended the nations for prioritizing common interests over self-interest.
Declaring the agreement as a “transformational change,” Al Jaber emphasized its role in reinstating faith and trust in multilateralism, highlighting humanity’s ability to unite. Wopke Hoekstra, the EU climate chief, echoed this sentiment, describing the accord as “long, long overdue” and marking the initiation of the decline of fossil fuels after nearly three decades of climate discussions.
Despite concerns, especially from vulnerable nations at risk of extinction due to rising sea levels, the agreement was carefully crafted to secure a unanimous approval. Al Jaber revised the text, steering it towards a more inclusive approach, calling for a just, orderly, and equitable transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems.
Addressing the urgency of the situation, the agreement emphasized increased action in the critical decade ahead and recommitted to achieving no net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal aims to curb global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a target that has become increasingly challenging.
As the planet grapples with a 1.2-degree Celsius rise and scientists identify 2023 as potentially the warmest year in a century, the international community’s commitment signals a significant step forward in addressing the escalating impacts of climate change, from storms and droughts to lethal wildfires worldwide.
