End of COP28 Meeting; About 200 Countries Agree to Gradually Reduce Fossil Fuels

Representatives from nearly 200 countries at the Dubai climate change conference, COP28, agreed to gradually reduce the world's fossil fuel consumption. According to Reuters, this agreement aims to prevent worsening climate change and signifies the end of the oil era. The agreement, reached after two weeks of tough negotiations in Dubai, sends a powerful message to investors and policymakers that the world is united in moving away from fossil fuels; a factor that scientists say is the last hope and best solution to prevent a climate catastrophe. Sultan Al Jaber, the president of COP28, called this agreement 'historic,' but added that real success depends on its implementation. He urged countries around the world to take the necessary steps to turn this agreement into tangible actions. Several representatives from the countries present at the meeting welcomed the agreement for achieving something that had been absent from climate negotiations for several decades. Espen Barth Eide, Norway's foreign minister, said, 'This is the first time the world has united around a clear text on the need to reduce fossil fuels.' According to Reuters, representatives from over 100 countries worked hard to emphasize the 'gradual phase-out' of oil, gas, and coal in the text of the agreement, but faced opposition from OPEC, the group of oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia. Oil-producing countries argue that greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced without completely avoiding specific fuels. Disagreements over this issue led to lengthy discussions at the meeting and raised concerns among observers that COP28 negotiations might not reach a conclusion. OPEC members control nearly 80% of the world's oil reserves and about one-third of global oil production, and their governments are heavily reliant on oil sales revenue. Small island nations, which are very vulnerable to climate change, were among the staunchest supporters of mentioning the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels in the agreement's text. They received support in this request from other major oil and gas producers like the U.S., Canada, and Norway, as well as the European Union and some other governments. John Kerry, the U.S. special envoy for climate, described the agreement as a moment of 'multilateralism' and said that attendees worked to define 'common interest.' Anna An Rasmussen, the chief negotiator for the alliance of small island countries, criticized the agreement, calling it 'not ambitious enough.' However, she did not formally oppose the agreement but stated that the world needs broader actions to combat climate change. Dan Jørgensen, Denmark's minister for climate and energy, called the achievement of an agreement to move away from oil and gas in an oil-rich country and region 'remarkable.' According to Reuters, the agreement calls for a 'transition from fossil fuels in energy systems in a fair, orderly, and just manner to achieve net-zero by 2050 in accordance with science.' This somewhat describes what has already happened and the actions of some governments that have implemented policies for a transition to a greener economy in recent years. The agreement asks governments to increase the capacity for using renewable energy and to move away from fuels like coal. An informed source on Saudi Arabia's position stated that this agreement outlines different pathways for countries to strive towards the desired goal, considering their specific characteristics and within the framework of sustainable development. Al Gore, the former U.S. vice president, who is very active in climate change, also welcomed the agreement but noted, 'The influence of oil governments is still evident in the half-measures and loopholes in the final agreement.' Reuters reported that now that this agreement has been concluded, countries are responsible for implementing its provisions through national policies and investments. The climate change conference in Dubai faced serious obstacles; discussions for reaching a final agreement will continue on Wednesday. The UAE is investing $270 billion in renewable energy. Scientists: The effects of drought in the Amazon will last for three years. The 'climate change' conference in Dubai; the U.S. is committed to limiting global warming to '1.5 degrees.' The Islamic Republic delegation left the climate change conference due to the presence of Israeli representatives. Experts: The rate of global warming has been much lower than predicted. Support from dozens of countries for a draft agreement to 'triple' renewable energy.