Sultan al-Jaber, the President of COP28, has called on nations to step out of their comfort zones and collaborate to reach agreements during the ongoing climate summit. Addressing a plenary session, al-Jaber emphasized the need for collective action as the summit approaches its crucial phase of negotiations. With just five days left until the scheduled conclusion on December 12, country ministers are joining deliberations, focusing on key issues, particularly the unprecedented challenge of addressing the role of fossil fuels in climate change.
One of the primary challenges at COP28 is determining how the nearly 200 participating countries will address the issue of fossil fuels, a major contributor to climate-warming emissions. Over 80 countries are advocating for a COP28 agreement that outlines a pathway to eventually end the use of fossil fuels. This stance represents a departure from the traditional approach in previous U.N. climate summits, which did not directly confront the future role of fossil fuels.
Canadian Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault expressed optimism about reaching a compromise on the fossil fuels issue. Despite potential differences in ambition levels, Guilbeault believes that leaving COP28 with language addressing fossil fuels would mark a historic moment in climate negotiations.
Simon Stiell, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized the scientific imperative behind limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. Stiell underscored the tangible consequences of exceeding this limit, including irreversible loss of ice sheets, rising sea levels, degradation of coral reefs, and extreme temperatures affecting billions of people.
Amid the ongoing negotiations, eastern European countries are working to resolve a deadlock over the location of next year’s COP29 summit. Russia’s objection to any EU member as COP president has prompted alternative candidates to come forward. Azerbaijan has offered to host the event, and Moldova and Serbia have also proposed hosting the rotating presidency.
As COP28 enters a critical phase of negotiations, President Sultan al-Jaber’s call for nations to transcend their comfort zones underscores the urgency of addressing pressing climate challenges. The summit’s focus on fossil fuels and the potential for a historic agreement reflects the global community’s commitment to advancing climate action. With ongoing deliberations and optimism for compromise, the outcomes of COP28 will play a crucial role in shaping the international response to climate change.
