COP28 delivers 2050 timeline for world without fossil fuels
By Our Special Correspondent
New Delhi, December 14: After much hesitation, the COP28 has concluded with a consensus decision to phaseout fossil fuels by 2050 to limit the rise in the global average tempretaure to 1.5 degree centigrade. The decision is being widely hailed as two roadblocks against the phaseout of fossil fuels – the US and China – also came onboard in the final moments to back energy transition blueprints.
The US State Department said in a statement that “the COP28 concluded today in Dubai with all 198 parties endorsing a call to transition away from fossil fuels in the energy sector to achieve net-zero by 2050, for the first time. The US will build on this achievement to turn climate commitments into action in this decisive decade.”
Nobel laureate and climate activist Al Gore also welcomed the outcome of the COP28 in Dubai. Gore said: “The COP28 outcomes finally recognize that the climate crisis is, at its heart, a fossil fuel crisis. It’s an important milestone. But it is also the bare minimum we need and is long overdue. The influence of petrostates is still evident in the half measures and loopholes included in the final agreement.”
He noted that the “fossil fuel interests went all out to control the outcome, but the passionate work of millions of climate activists around the world inspired and motivated delegates from many nations to loosen the industry’s grip. Whether this is a turning point that truly marks the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era depends on the actions that come next and the mobilization of finance required to achieve them.”
The COP28 backdrop was set by the 2022 emerging out as the hottest year in the known history of the humanity. The climate change consequeces were seen in the forms of unprecedented floods in all parts of the world. Droughts also were seen across continents. Unprecedented level of droughts last year deepened food crisis in parts of the world.
The release of the new ‘Global Stocktake’ (GST) text had earlier sparked both hope and concern among environmental advocates. The document outlined key strategies and commitments signaling the end of the fossil fuel era but with caveats. It calls for replacement of fossil fuels with clean energy by 2050. It, however, also talks of “transition fuels”. The UN in its post analysis has said that gas is a methane-heavy fossil fuel, not a transitional solution.
The UN Climate Summit Organisation (UNCSO) noted that “the GST endorses a significant transition towards renewable energy, aiming to triple clean energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. However, the absence of quantification and equity provisions raises concerns, with compromises made to accommodate the preferences of major players like China and India.”
Para 25-27 of the Global Stocktake strengthens the commitment to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. It underlines peaking emissions by 2030 and reductions in 2035, maintaining the goal of achieving net-zero carbon by 2050.
The GST outlines new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2035. The countries are expected to submit more ambitious plans between November 2024 and February 2025. The UNCSO stated that “the roadmap to Mission 1.5C aims to enhance international cooperation on the journey to COP30 in Brazil.” On the flip side, the COP28 has failed on providing concrete targets and timelines for adaptation efforts and also on financial commitments.
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