Wednesday 18 / June / 2025
Dubai: A deal has been struck at the UN climate summit in Dubai that calls for a "transition away" from the use of fossil fuels.
The clear reference to the future of fossil fuels is a first but does not call for fossil fuels to be phased out, as many countries demanded.
The exact text say: "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."
It also includes the goal of tripling the capacity of renewable energies by 2030 and doubling the pace of energy efficiency during this period, something G20 countries have already committed to.
More than 100 states had urged a more pressing formulation, namely a "phase-out."
The approved text left certain back doors open such as the continued use of gas and the use of controversial technologies for CO2 storage and capture.
COP28 leader lauds delegates in Dubai
The leader of the United Arab Emirates COP28 team, Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, has congratulated delegates on their efforts at the climate summit.
"You did step up, you showed flexibility, you put common interest ahead of self-interest," said al Jaber, whose role as head of the United Arab Emirates' national oil company has provoked skepticism among many environmentalists.
Al-Jaber, who is the UAE's industry minister, said the Emirates was "rightly proud" of its role in bringing "transformational change" to the planet.
"The world needed to find a new way. And by following our North Star, we have found that new path," al-Jaber said to applause, referring to the aim of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Al-Jaber's comments came after he banged the gavel on the outcome of 13 days of talks in Dubai.
Germany's government has lent its express backing to the agreement in Dubai to move away from fossil fuels.
Sources in the German delegation told the German news agency DPA that the resolution was "a huge load off" of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock's mind.
For the first time at a UN climate conference, the global community is calling for an end to fossil fuels.
"Great joy in the German delegation and from the foreign minister that the world has decided to end the fossil age," DPA heard.
More than 100 countries, including Germany, had called for a deadline to phase out fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal, but this was not included in the final text adopted in Dubai.
Saudi Arabia pleased with COP28 outcome
One of the world's leading oil producers, Saudi Arabia, has praised the outcome of the UN climate summit as a "great success."
The agreement saw nations adopt a call for the transition away from fossil fuels, but it stopped short of stipulating a phase-out.
"On behalf of the Arab Group, I express our gratitude to the efforts of all the state parties in order to have a successful first global stocktake," Saudi official Albara Tawfiq told the COP28 conference.
EU chief says deal heralds new era
European Commisson President Ursula von der Leyen has hailed the deal struck at the COP28 climate summit as the dawn of a new world with no need for coal or oil.
"Today's agreement marks the beginning of the post-fossil era," von der Leyen tweeted.
"A crucial part of this historic deal is truly made in Europe. The whole world endorsed our 2030 targets: to triple renewable energy and to double energy efficiency, both by 2030."
The European Union's commissioner for climate action also praised the resolutions reached.
It was "a day to salute the fact that humanity has finally done what is long, long overdue," Wopke Hoekstra, who served as the EU's chief negiator, told the plenary session of the conference in Dubai.
France says deal vindicates nuclear stance
France's energy minister says the agreement reached at COP28 is a victory and that it vindicates her country's endorsement of nuclear power.
" We can see that we have been able to deliver," said Agnes Pannier-Runacher said in Dubai.
"The COP28 agreement that has just been adopted is a victory for multilateralism and climate diplomacy."
"Now we need to put in place a plan to exit fossil fuels and we will be attentive to this," she said.
Pannier-Runacher praised the inclusion of nuclear energy, which although carbon-friendly has long raised other environmental on waste disposal and risks of accidents.
"For the first time, the text at several points mentions the contribution of nuclear energy in the fight against climate change. This is a historic recognition and a diplomatic victory for France," she said.
