As COP28 unfolds, a pivotal focus emerges on the negotiation of a comprehensive text regarding fossil fuel reduction among nearly 200 participating countries. The aim is to reach an agreement on either a phased-out or phased-down approach, marking a historic commitment in the global stocktake assessing progress towards the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, established in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
The intricacies of the wording are currently subject to intense negotiations, with every nuance, including the potential phase-out or elimination of “unabated” fossil fuels, being meticulously debated. The outcome of these deliberations holds significant weight in determining the success of the conference.
On Tuesday, a draft text was published, revealing some progress while acknowledging that crucial decisions remain pending. According to several news reports, language committing countries to a phase-out of fossil fuels has been retained in the text, but the possibility of its deletion is still on the table. Negotiators describe the atmosphere as constructive, although Saudi Arabia’s persistent efforts to introduce references to carbon capture and storage, even where not warranted, have been noted. The kingdom is also pushing to include the term ’emissions’ after references to the phase-out or phase-down of fossil fuels.
China’s stance on the matter is closely scrutinized, adding another layer of complexity to the discussions. The deadline for a final text agreement is set for December 12, the conclusion of the conference, although past experience suggests that talks may extend beyond this date. Stay tuned for further updates on these critical negotiations shaping the future of global climate action.
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