Global divisions persist as nations navigate negotiations on fossil fuel language in summit’s final text.Here are the five things that you should know about the chaos on fossil fuel at COP28
COP28 Climate Talks Overtime: The COP28 climate talks extended beyond schedule as countries engaged in intense shuttle diplomacy to address significant international disagreements over handling fossil fuels in the summit’s final text.
Global Investor Message: The conference’s stance on fossil fuels will convey a powerful message to global investors and markets, reflecting the ambition of governments worldwide either to phase out oil or to maintain a role for it in the future.
Controversial Draft: The draft deal released on Monday faced criticism for not advocating a “phase-out” of fossil fuels, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Over 100 countries, including the US and the EU, pushed for stronger language, but OPEC members and allies resisted.
Negotiation Approach: The United Arab Emirates’ COP28 Director General, Majid Al Suwaidi, revealed that the initial draft aimed to prompt negotiators from nearly 200 countries to express their demands and advance discussions, emphasizing a desire for a “historic” result.
Consensus Requirement: Deals at U.N. climate summits must achieve consensus, and individual countries are responsible for implementing the agreement through national policies and investments. The talks entered a critical phase, with ongoing shuttle diplomacy and optimism expressed by U.S. Special Climate Envoy John Kerry about strengthening the fossil fuel language in the deal text.
