How COP's fossil fuel taboo was finally broken by the Emiratis
Dubai, US special envoy John Kerry admitted that he thought it might never happen.
The seasoned international negotiator recalled a conversation with one minister who worried about a deal that would signal the end of fossil fuels.
«One minister from one of those countries involved said, 'John, you can't ask us to commit economic suicide',» Kerry said.
He did not name the country but Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, led the charge against any strong language against fossil fuels. Kuwait and Iraq were also staunch opponents.
In the end, nearly 200 countries adopted on Wednesday a deal stating that the world will be «transitioning away from fossil fuels» in order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
It was the first time in the 28-year history of the Conference of the Parties that all fossil fuels were mentioned in an accord.
«I never thought we were going to have the kind of breadth that we have today, to be honest with you,» Kerry said on Wednesday.
