Green economy remains global priority.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged global leaders at the COP28 climate summit to plan for a future without fossil fuels, emphasizing the necessity of curbing global warming. His statement came in response to COP28 President Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber’s proposal to continue using fossil fuels. Guterres stressed that achieving the 1.5-degree limit, crucial for combating climate change, requires completely halting the burning of all fossil fuels. King Charles III of Britain also urged progress in the global climate agenda, emphasizing the urgency to repair and restore nature’s economy. However, his comments seemed at odds with the actions of his government, as British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced climate finance but rolled back domestic measures to meet net-zero targets. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized wealthy nations for their historical role in climate-warming emissions. Meanwhile, a former Marshall Islands president resigned from the COP28 advisory board, protesting the UAE’s alleged support for continued fossil fuel use.
Delegates worked on assessing progress toward global climate targets, with the UN publishing a draft agreement for COP28. The draft includes options to “phase down” or “phase out” fossil fuels, quit coal energy, triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, and address fossil fuel subsidies. Leaders also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, deviating from the usual avoidance of political discussions at climate summits.
The summit aims to conclude on December 12, with discussions ongoing about the role of fossil fuels and other critical issues.
