The 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) concluded on December 13 with the historic UAE Consensus, marking a significant step forward in global climate action.
After an additional day of intense negotiations, nations at COP28 approved a roadmap for \"transitioning away from fossil fuels,\" a first for a UN climate conference. This groundbreaking agreement was a response to the initial Global Stocktake of how countries can accelerate efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Despite the progress, the UAE Consensus fell short of the long-demanded call for a complete \"phase-out\" of oil, coal, and gas. \"While we didn't fully turn the page on the fossil fuel here in Dubai, this is the beginning of the end,\" remarked UN climate chief Simon Stiell.
The agreement faced resistance from certain international organizations and island nations already grappling with sea-level rise. \"We will not go silently to our watery graves,\" stated John Silk, head of the Marshall Islands' delegation, emphasizing the need for a firmer commitment to eliminate fossil fuels.
The UAE Consensus represents a mixed victory, balancing the urgent need for climate action with the realities of fossil fuel dependency. As the world moves forward, the roadmap established at COP28 will serve as a foundation for future efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
