The concluding draft of the COP28 climate summit, which was held in Dubai and presided over by Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has sparked debate and dissatisfaction among environmentalists.
The draft, which was delayed by six hours, contains language ranging from a request to phase out fossil fuels "in line with the best available science" to no discussion of the future of oil, gas, and coal. Climate scientists question the draft's ambiguity, particularly the use of the permissive "could" rather than the necessary "shall" and the lack of clear dates.
Former US Vice President Al Gore raised concern, saying the conference "is now on the verge of complete failure." Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary-General of OPEC, has advised members to oppose wording attacking fossil fuels. The revised draft encourages countries to take action to reduce global warming emissions, offering options that "could" include reducing fossil fuel usage and production in a just and equitable manner, with a goal of net zero emissions by 2050. The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the US State Department both expressed unhappiness with the proposal, while EU negotiators deemed it "insufficient."
Despite the disappointment, other experts remained cautiously optimistic, pointing out the draft's inclusion of critical aspects. Concerns have been expressed regarding the conference's outcome as a result of the unpleasant discussions, with AOSIS stating its members' unwillingness to ratify the accord in its current form. The world community is waiting for a conclusion to one of the most important climate summits in over three decades as the conference deadline approaches.
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Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master, it was rightly said. Electronic devices have grown into an inevitable part of our daily lives.
