The battle for the trajectory of fossil fuels has taken center stage on the global platform during the COP28 climate summit. Over the past almost three decades, delegates from nearly 200 nations attending the U.N.’s annual climate conference have struggled to effectively confront the primary catalyst of the climate crisis: the combustion of coal, oil, and gas.
Many gathering in Dubai for COP28 believe the talks can only be considered a success if they result in a deal to “phase out” all fossil fuels.
The wording of the eventual agreement, anticipated by or around December 12, will be under intense scrutiny. A commitment to “phase out” would imply a transition away from fossil fuels until their utilization is entirely eradicated, whereas “phase down” might suggest a reduction in their usage without a complete cessation.
Another point of contention revolves around whether the agreement should focus on “abated” fossil fuels, characterized by carbon capture and storage technologies that trap emissions. On the other hand, “unabated” fossil fuels are generally recognized as those produced and used without significant reductions in emitted greenhouse gases. the trajectory of fossil
Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and a prominent figure in Earth sciences, emphasized to CNBC the critical nature of COP28 as a “mitigation COP.” He expressed a clear stance that the primary objective of COP28 should be for all nations heavily involved in oil, gas, and coal to recognize the commencement of the end of the fossil fuel era for the global economy. Rockström stressed the importance of truly initiating a trajectory that bends the curve in the right direction.
According to Rockström, the success of COP28 hinges on achieving progress in the phase-out of fossil fuels. He contended that while advancements in areas like loss and damage, Article 6, financing, adaptation, nature, agriculture, and water are positive, they are ultimately contingent on making substantial strides in the reduction of fossil fuel usage. In his view, success at COP28 is defined by tangible progress toward phasing out fossil fuels, as everything else will naturally follow suit.