Young climate activists in Dubai have expressed disappointment at a new compromise text at the COP28 climate negotiations, as it failed to result in a demand for a phase-out of fossil fuels.
The new proposal does not go so far as to call for a “phase-out” of fossil fuels, as more than 100 countries had implored. Instead, it calls for a “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a fair, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action during this crucial decade.”
This transition is expected to lead to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with climate science.
Farzana Farouk Jhumu, a youth activist from Bangladesh, said the mitigation measures in the new text “are not comprehensive” and that fossil fuels are only discussed in relation to coal.
Jhumu and other young activists staged a protest before a plenary to demand funding for a fair phase-out from world leaders.
Some wording from previous versions of the draft text, which most upset countries calling for radical measures to combat climate change, has been changed. Actions that were presented as optional with the verb “could” were replaced by more direct appeals with the verb “request”.
Victoria Walen, a lawyer specializing in environmental justice in the United States, called the new text “mediocre”.
Delegations were given a few hours to review what COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber and his team produced.
Minutes into Wednesday’s session, COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber gave his endorsement to the central document – the global assessment that indicates how far behind the world is in tackling change climate and how he plans to get back on track – without asking for comment. The delegates stood and shook hands.
Earth is heading toward record heat, endangering human health and leading to increasingly costly and deadly extreme weather events.
It is clear that despite calls from young climate activists, the COP28 negotiations did not result in a demand for a phase-out of fossil fuels. This disappointment once again highlights the urgency of taking bold action to address climate change. The report also mentions the absence of a clear indication regarding the phase-out of fossil fuels, with the exception of coal.
It is essential that world leaders recognize the need to accelerate the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Young activists are right to demand equitable funding to facilitate this transition and ensure climate justice for all.
It is time for governments to take responsibility and make a firm commitment to the fight against climate change. Time is running out and the future of our planet is at stake. It is crucial that the voices of young activists are heard and concrete steps are taken to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.