Widespread Criticism from Activists on the Draft Agreement of the 28th Climate Change Conference; It Does Not Address Global Warming

The release of the draft final agreement of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP 28, currently taking place in Dubai, has faced widespread criticism from environmental activists around the world. Activists claim that this draft, which is set to be finalized in a formal agreement at the closing ceremony of the conference on Tuesday, December 12, contains no measures to combat global warming. According to environmental activists, contrary to the demands of at least 100 countries, the draft does not include a phased-out approach to fossil fuels; instead, it asks countries to take action for 'phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.' Sultan Al Jaber, the president of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, assessed the draft as successful and called it 'a significant step forward.' However, Steven Guilbeault, Canada's Minister of Environment, stated, 'The presidency of this conference knows that to consider it successful, we must reach an agreement on fossil fuels.' Guilbeault added, 'I think if we cannot achieve this, people will see it as a failure, even if we have agreed on many other good things.' Meanwhile, the European Union criticized OPEC member countries on Saturday, December 9, for opposing the agreement to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The EU climate chief strongly criticized OPEC's efforts to ignore the agreement for phasing out fossil fuels, calling the actions of oil producers 'harmful.' Wopke Hoekstra told Reuters, 'We are here not to focus on our national or financial interests. We are here to do what is right for the future of the world.' On the same day, Reuters reported that it had obtained a letter in which Haitham Al Ghais, the OPEC Secretary General, urged OPEC Plus member countries to reject any agreement targeting fossil fuels. At least 80 countries, including 27 EU member states and the United States, are calling for a phased-out approach to fossil fuels to prevent worsening climate change and global warming. Elizabeth Sticken, in an interview with Voice of America, discusses the Biden administration's commitments to limit global warming. The 'Climate Change' conference in Dubai; the U.S. is committed to limiting global warming to '1.5 degrees.' The Islamic Republic's delegation left the 'Climate Change' conference due to the presence of Israeli representatives. Experts: The rate of global warming has been much less than predicted.