COP28 revises draft text on fossil fuels after fierce backlash

The final draft text from COP28 has been revised to include the phrase "transitioning away from fossil fuels".

PHOTO: Crude oil pump jacks. Getty Images

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has presented its updated draft of the proposed agreement at the COP28 summit. The revised text contains more ambitious language designed to combat global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It follows harsh criticism of the first draft, which was published on 11 December.

The proposed deal now "recognizes the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5°C pathways" and urges nations to transition away from fossil fuels.

It pushes nations to accelerate efforts toward:

• “transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science”

This is instead of "reducing" fossil fuel consumption and production as previously proposed.

But the revised draft also “recognizes” that “transitional fuels can play a role in facilitating the energy transition while ensuring energy security”.

By Konica Bhatt

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online