The grand finale is upon us at the UN climate talks, where countries as negotiators are gearing up for a final push to convince even the most reluctant players, including Saudi Arabia, to embrace a historic phase-out of fossil fuels. With just a few hours left at COP28 in Dubai, the spotlight is on the negotiators and the anticipated new draft deal that holds the promise of a consensus among nearly 200 countries.
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Historic Deadlines and Ambitious Goals
The Conference of the Parties (COP) has a tradition of running fashionably late in its 28-year history. However, COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber is urging a timely wrap-up on Tuesday, the 12th of December, aligning with the anniversary of the 2015 Paris Agreement’s ambitious goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Jaber calls this goal his “North Star,” emphasising the urgency of addressing climate change.
Driving Towards a Sustainable Future
Jaber, also the head of the UAE’s national oil company, faces the challenge of delivering a historic deal while addressing concerns about his role in the oil industry. Undeterred, he has consistently urged countries to find “consensus and common ground” on the fossil fuel issue, declaring that failure is not an option.
Facing Opposition and Seeking Consensus
As the world’s leading oil exporter, Saudi Arabia has been a staunch opponent of a fossil fuel phase-out, with Iraq echoing similar sentiments. Despite this, veteran climate campaigners and negotiators express optimism, believing we are closer than ever to a historic agreement to transition away from oil, gas, and coal.
Diplomacy in Action
To foster understanding and build bridges, Jaber hosted a traditional Gulf Arab meeting, a “majlis,” where ministers openly laid out their positions. The pressure is evident, but Jaber remains hopeful, urging participants not to let him down as they navigate the complexities of reaching a consensus.
Exploring Options for a Sustainable Future
Diplomats wrestle different paths out of fossil fuels outlined in the draft deal. The document includes four potential routes to a fossil fuel phase-out, but it also has a fifth option: leaving the matter out of the final agreement. In a positive development, China, initially resistant, is now actively working towards a compromise, aligning with recent joint statements with the United States on the need to accelerate renewable energy deployment.
Anticipating the Outcome
With the clock ticking, countries are holding their cards close, waiting for the release of the new draft deal. As negotiators strive to finalise the agreement, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a turning point in our collective efforts to address climate change. As COP28 enters its endgame, the intricacies of diplomacy are underway, shaping the future of the global approach to fossil fuels.
As the world collectively hopes for a historic agreement that propels us toward a sustainable and resilient future, the anticipation of a consensus among countries would bring forward a significant step to reach the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals. Let us have our fingers crossed for positive outcomes at COP28!
