By Karmas Saluja Year 9, The British School, New Delhi
COP28 is the popular name for the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2023, which was held in Dubai from November 30 December 12, 2023.
Also read, Everything you need to know all about COP28
For the first time ever, government officials from all around the world have agreed to a deal that requires all the countries to work to end the use of fossil fuels. This deal was finally agreed to at the climate talks in Dubai. The countries have agreed to move away from the use of petrol, oil, and coal. This is the first time ever in 30 years of COP climate summits, that the countries have agreed to transition away from fossil fuels. The deal was approved by almost 200 countries. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber said that the deal is a “historic package” of measures that offers a “robust plan” to keep the target of capping global temperatures at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, within reach. The transition would be in a way that makes sure that the world will net zero greenhouse gas emissions in 2050.
One of the important questions at COP28 was whether countries would agree to stop producing fossil fuels (called a “phase-out”), or would simply agree to produce less (a “phase-down”). More than 100 countries, including the US and the EU, were pushing for a phase-out. However, Saudi Arabia, China, and India fought against this idea. These countries either depend heavily on fossil fuels, or on the money they make by selling them. Because of this disagreement, the final deal doesn’t mention a phase-out or a phase-down. Instead, it calls for “transitioning [slowly changing away from fossil fuels”.
The new agreement isn’t a law, but it does guide countries on the actions they should take to tackle the climate crisis. Countries now need to create their own plans for how they will cut greenhouse gas emissions over the next 12 years.
This new deal is a huge disappointment to many people who had hoped for a stronger position. But it’s also the first time a COP have meeting has mentioned moving away from fossil fuels.
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