Governments from different parts of the world have for the first time agreed to transition away from fossil fuels to mitigate the worst effects of climate change in an historic agreement.
This happened during the closing of the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) climate summit on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement was intended to send a strong message to investors and decision-makers that the world is now united in its desire to move away from fossil fuels, which scientists believe is the last hope to prevent the global climate disaster.
COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber presented nearly 200 nations with a document called the ”outcome of the first global stock-take FCCC/PA/CMA/2023/L.17” after negotiations pushed the summit into overtime through a closing plenary session, facing no objections.
“Over the last two weeks, we have worked very hard to secure a better future for our people and our planet. We should be proud of our historic achievement,” Sultan said.
“It is a balanced plan that is led by science, tackles emissions, and is built on common ground. It is strengthened by full inclusivity and reinforced by collaboration and enhanced balance,” he added.
He said the deal is not legally binding but calls on all countries to move away from the use of fossil fuels for the first time in almost 30 years of COP climate summits.
The UN climate chief, Simon Stiell, noted that the agreement is meant to send clear signals on several fronts, including renewables, climate, and resilience.
“At every stage, climate must drive human development and dignity side by side. They are a climate action lifeline, not a finish line. Governments need to turn it into real economic outcomes without delay.” Stiell added.
According to Espen Barth Eide, Norway’s minister for climate and the environment, it is the first time that the world unites around such a clear text on the need to transition away from fossil fuels.
More than 100 countries had lobbied hard for strong language in the COP28 agreement to “phase out” oil, gas, and coal use but came up against powerful opposition from the Saudi Arabia-led oil producer group OPEC, which argued that the world can slash emissions without shunning specific fuels.
COP28 is the 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate meeting, where governments discuss how to limit and prepare for future climate change. The summit took place in Dubai, in the UAE, from November 30 to December 12, 2023, although it extended to the 13th to finalize the agreement.
