It's Not Too Late for a COP28 Deal, But Speed is Required

The Cop28 climate change summit in Dubai is reaching a critical stage, with the need for urgent action to address the planet's environmental challenges becoming increasingly apparent. While progress has been made, Cop28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber acknowledges the need for greater speed and effort. The United Nations has warned that without significant changes, the world is on track for a catastrophic 3°C temperature rise, described as a "dead end" for the environment.

One of the main points of contention at the summit is the future of fossil fuels. Campaigners and representatives from developing countries are pushing for immediate action to reduce or phase out fossil fuel consumption, as these countries bear the brunt of climate change despite not being major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the draft global stocktake offers a range of approaches to address fossil fuel consumption, providing a basis for refining a final agreement. The focus is on finding realistic and sustainable ways to curtail fossil fuel use, considering the significant role it still plays in the global economy.

The inclusion of diverse voices, including energy producers, superpowers, climate activists, and developing nations, has been a strength of Cop28. While the diversity of perspectives can slow progress, the approaching deadlines are expected to bring a greater focus on reaching an agreement. Building upon early wins, such as the establishment of a loss-and-damage fund in the early days of the summit, sets a precedent for consensus and alignment. The hope is that this spirit of cooperation will prevail in the remaining days of the summit to address the pressing climate change challenges facing the world.

Source: thenationalnews.com