UN Climate Talks in Dubai Face Criticism Over Fossil Fuel Stance
At the United Nations climate talks in Dubai, a new draft released Monday afternoon, for what is known as the global stocktake, has sparked intense reactions. The draft aims for a reduction in the “consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly and equitable manner.” However, it stops short of the widespread demand to phase out all fossil fuels, merely calling for an end to “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.”
Critics have expressed deep disappointment. But the COP28 presidency, led by an Emirati oil company CEO, Sultan Al Jaber, defended the draft as a significant step forward.
The text underlines the need for an annual investment of $4.3 trillion through 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it was “time to go into overdrive, to negotiate in good faith, and rise to the challenge,” emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Negotiations saw participation from major players like the US, China, and India. India, known for its 2021 objection to phasing out coal, proposed in 2022 to phase out all fossil fuels, a suggestion that did not gain traction in last year’s talks. Meanwhile, OPEC countries, led by Saudi Arabia, have shown resistance to any inclusion of fossil fuels in the text.
The draft’s perceived shortcomings have raised concerns among various parties, including Canadian Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Tuvalu’s Finance Minister Seve Paeniu, who stressed the importance of a collective agreement on fossil fuel phase-out for the summit’s success.
