COP28 deal calls for global transition away from fossil fuels

A new deal has been agreed at COP28, which, for the first time, calls on all countries to contribute to a move away from using fossil fuels.

Nearly 200 countries at COP28 have agreed the new global deal. The text recognises the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions if humanity is to limit temperature rises to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

The BBC reports that "This is significant because it's the first time there's been explicit mention in a COP agreement of reducing use of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) - the main driver of climate change."

However, the deal stops short of calling for a complete phase-out, and the wording has been criticised for being weak.

There is also no reference to reduce methane emissions, one of the most potent greenhouse gas emissions, which has been in earlier texts.

Sir David King, Founder and Chair of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, said: “This is a historic milestone on the journey to transitioning away from fossil fuels – a development that seemed all but impossible even two years ago. But we must be mindful that this is the bare minimum.
 
"Ensuring 1.5C remains viable will require total commitment to a range of far-reaching measures, including full fossil fuel phase-out, massive investment in nature, transformation of global food systems, and carbon removal on a massive scale.
 
"Today is therefore not a moment to stand still and applaud the agreement. The wording of the deal is feeble. Despite 2023 being the hottest year on record, it fails to hold nations accountable within the small remaining timeframe to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.
 
"If we allow ourselves to cross the 1.5-degree threshold, entering an unprecedented danger zone of high risk and uncertainty, it will be incredibly difficult to reverse. It is time for all nations, particularly developed and rapidly emerging economies, to walk the walk, and turn talk into action.”

The Renewable Energy Association (REA) is reiterating its urgent call on UK Government to ensure this call is delivered in domestic policy, with clear pathways that phase out unabated fossil fuels.
 
Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, Chief Executive of the REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology) said: “For the first time in three decades of climate negotiations, the words fossil fuels have featured in a COP outcome, which is indeed a historic moment and emphasises that the time for renewables is now.
 
“While grateful that this text has entered the agreement, I am wary of how each nation will pursue what they believe are courses of actions. We must all now be vigilant in holding our world leaders, including the UK, to account.
 
“The next time we will have a view of this progress with clear data as part of the Global Stock Take will not be until 2025 in Brazil.
 
“Therefore, moving forward the REA will encourage the UK Government to ensure this call is delivered in domestic policy, with clear pathways that phase out unabated fossil fuels. This is absolutely crucial for maintaining any sense of UK leadership on the global stage.”