Dubai: As Europe's climate monitor confirms 2023 as the hottest year on record, the temperature is also rising on negotiators deliberating the contentious issue of fossil fuels at COP28 in Dubai.
Pressure for progress is intensifying as the UN climate talks approach the end of their first week. The latest draft of a global climate agreement is expected on Wednesday, with finalization slated for December 12, according to observers.
The fate of oil, gas, and coal, the primary contributors to human-induced planetary heating, has emerged as a major point of contention. Divisions around their future dominate the conference, with negotiators representing nearly 200 countries engaged in discussions over the text responding to a critical assessment of progress in limiting warming.
The main debate revolves around whether to "phase out" or "phase down" fossil fuels. A potential consensus candidate involves committing to an "orderly and just" phase-out, allowing countries different timelines for emission reduction based on their developmental stage and reliance on hydrocarbons.
However, another option under consideration is no mention of fossil fuels at all, reflecting opposition from countries including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China. India has also voiced opposition to naming specific sectors or energy sources.
Saudi Arabia's chief climate negotiator, Khalid Almehaid, referred to the challenge of maintaining the success achieved with the Paris Agreement in 2015. He emphasized the kingdom's objection to phasing down fossil fuels.
However, some of the countries most vulnerable to climate change are urging a stronger stance on fossil fuels. The Alliance of Small Islands States called for major emitters to enhance their commitments, leading the way on fossil fuel phase-out and halving emissions by 2030.
As the draft agreement stands, it includes options to phase out fossil fuels or not address the issue, setting the stage for challenging negotiations in the coming week. Climate experts warn that breaching the 1.5 degrees Celsius Paris deal limit is imminent if emissions are not reduced.
While COP28 unfolds, 2023 has experienced a series of extreme weather events linked to climate change. Europe's climate monitor confirms this year as the hottest in recorded history, with November marking the sixth consecutive record-breaking month.
Last month's global average temperature reached 1.46 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels. Samantha Burgess, deputy head of the Copernicus service, highlighted the unprecedented nature of two days in November being 2C warmer than pre-industrial levels.
Carlo Buontempo, head of Copernicus, emphasized that as long as greenhouse gas concentrations rise, the temperature and the impacts of heatwaves and droughts will continue to increase. __AFP
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