COP28 draft is "diplomatic-speak, not science-speak", misses fossil fuel phase-out, sparks criticism
COP28 climate summit, published on Monday, has drawn criticism for omitting the mention of phasing out fossil fuels, a key factor in the climate crisis. The removal of the call to abandon fossil fuels appears to be a concession to oil-producing nations opposing the measure, CNN reported.
The latest draft urges countries to take action to diminish planet-warming pollution, potentially encompassing reductions in the consumption and production of oil, coal, and gas. Critics have decried the draft for its vague language and absence of concrete timelines.
Over 100 nations initially supported language advocating for the phase-out of fossil fuels, but this latest draft may face opposition during an upcoming plenary session. Countries such as Saudi Arabia, which opposed any reference to fossil fuels, may push for further dilution of the text.
If the current draft fails to garner widespread support, negotiators may need to resume discussions. Earlier drafts included options calling for the phasing out of climate-polluting oil, gas, and coal, raising hopes for a stronger summit agreement than in previous years.
Climate advocate and former US Vice President Al Gore said in a post on X the summit «is now on the verge of complete failure.»
«The world desperately needs to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, but this obsequious draft reads as if OPEC dictated it word for word,» Gore said. «It is even worse than many had feared.»
Controversy has surrounded the summit, particularly after the United Arab Emirates selected Sultan Al Jaber, the head of its state-owned oil company and lead climate delegate, to lead the talks. Recent comments from Al Jaber,
