COP28 News Roundup | October 13–19, 2023
How will the Israel-Hamas crisis affect COP28? What is the future of fossil fuel phase-out?
Each week, articles are selected from news sources worldwide highlighting key dialogues, trends and issues among COP28 leaders, the gas and oil industry, carbon capture and storage technology, and climate policies.
Mideast Crisis Could Alter Outcomes of Upcoming UN Climate Summit
Gaza City, Gaza Strip — With just over a month remaining until COP28 in Dubai, the international community faces an additional roadblock — the potential repercussions of tensions following attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel.
“This war will affect the overall mindshare that can go into the talks. Days, nights, weekends of top people in government are going into addressing this crisis,” said President of firm Ridgely Walsh Kalee Kreider.
The COP28 summit is critical as countries grapple with the imperative to bridge the gap between emissions reduction commitments to date and the targets outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. Any delays in agreement could exacerbate the pace and severity of climate change. Experts also caution that the conflict could significantly impact COP28 attendance and success.
Diversion of government attention is also an issue. Senior officials are currently preoccupied with addressing the escalating conflict, which overlaps with the crucial lead-up to COP28, time typically dedicated to solidifying negotiating positions and delineating potential agreement terms.
The COP28 leadership assured that their focus remains on delivering tangible and ambitious climate action. They anticipate hosting a safe and inclusive COP at the end of November.
COP28: EU to Push for Deal on Phasing Out ‘Unabated’ Fossil Fuels at UN Climate Conference
Brussels, Belgium — The European Union (EU) has unanimously adopted its negotiating stance for an international accord to eliminate the unmitigated use of fossil fuels worldwide gradually.
This position firmly establishes the EU as one of the most determined participants in COP28 negotiations, where nearly 200 nations convene to strategize on combatting global warming.
“We will lead the negotiations, demonstrating the EU’s unwavering commitment to the green transition and urging our global partners to follow suit. The EU is a catalyst for change, and we must present a united front to the world. We cannot allow challenges to lead us back to a pre-Paris agreement scenario.” said Spain’s Climate Minister Teresa Ribera.
Ten member countries, including Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, advocated for an all-encompassing phase-out of all fossil fuels. However, other nations, including the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Poland, and Slovakia, wished to exercise caution before the complete phase-out, and only backed “unabated” fossil fuel phase-out. Under this provision, countries could continue using coal, gas, and oil provided they employed technology to “abate” or capture the resulting emissions.
Denmark’s global climate minister, Dan Jorgensen, commended the EU’s position as “extremely ambitious,” recognizing the intricacies of reaching consensus among nearly 30 member countries. The next critical juncture will be whether nations can achieve unanimity on the issue at COP28 in December.
The EU’s internal division mirrors broader global tensions, with developing nations apprehensive about the impact of transitioning their economies away from fossil fuels. Moreover, fossil fuel producers and consumers, some of whom have historically opposed a phase-out, are anticipated to present resistance at the COP28 summit.
Will a Food and Agriculture Focus at COP28 Distract From the Fossil Fuel Economy?
Dubai, UAE — COP28 is poised to spotlight the vital role of food and agriculture in addressing the climate crisis. Critics say this is diverting attention and aims to rapidly reduce fossil fuel production.
The United Arab Emirates, COP28’s host nation and a major oil producer, has positioned the food sector as a top priority and has acknowledged the challenges posed by the UAE’s arid landscape and heavy reliance on imports. While some say this is a way to retain current fossil fuel production rates, COP28’s focus on food and agriculture is unprecedented andis a long time coming.
“Heads of states from numerous countries are anticipated to commit to revolutionizing their food and agricultural systems, marking the first instance during a global climate summit,” said Program Director of Climate at the Global Alliance for the Future of Food (GAFF) Patty Fong.
Recent findings from the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) called for swift and sweeping transformations in food and agriculture solutions, including efforts to reduce deforestation, enhance cropland management, and promote shifts in dietary patterns. These actions are pivotal in achieving targets for a sustainable future.
As COP28 approaches, questions persist about which food and agriculture solutions will be prioritized and who will benefit. The event promises to be a pivotal moment in the global effort to address climate change, with food and agriculture now firmly at the forefront of the conversation.
Africa and India Push Rich Nations to Phase Out Fossil Fuels Faster
Sirte, Libya— Ahead of the highly anticipated COP28 climate conference, negotiators from Africa and India have put forward distinct plans aimed at urging developed nations to take more decisive action in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
The African group of negotiators is advocating for wealthy countries to cease approving new fossil fuel production projects by 2030. Similarly, India is pushing for an even more ambitious target, urging developed nations to surpass net-zero emissions and actively extract carbon from the atmosphere by 2050.
“No new fossil fuel extraction projects should be approved in Africa or anywhere,” said Thuli Makama, an African climate campaigner from Oil Change International. “Fossil fuels do not bring development. African fossil fuels will block development of the continent’s renewable energy and green economy sectors, while mainly benefitting companies from wealthy countries.”
At the same time, major players like the US, UK, Australia, and Norway continue to endorse domestic oil and gas projects without setting termination dates.
To challenge this , the African Group of Negotiators is advocating for “differentiated pathways for countries in the pursuit of net-zero and fossil fuel phasedown.” In a submission to the UN global stocktake, they emphasized the need for a cessation of fossil fuel exploration in developed countries before 2030, while affording developing nations the opportunity to address global supply gaps in the short term.
India’s submission echoes the African Group of Negotiators’, stressing that developed countries should have already peaked their emissions and must be on the path to achieving net negativity. This ambitious target aims to enable global net-zero by 2050, allowing developing nations to utilize available natural resources for sustainable growth.
The proposals from Africa and India set the stage for critical discussions at COP28, with the global community watching closely as negotiations unfold in the pursuit of a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.
China Has Potential to Lead World in Turning Paris Goals into Reality, Says Al Jaber
Beijing, China — COP28 President Al Jaber commended China’s exemplary climate leadership and emphasized the need for continued efforts to align with the Paris Agreement objectives during an international cooperation forum in Beijing.
Days earlier, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s commitment to fostering clean cooperation and increasing funding for green development. He outlined plans to support South-South cooperation, including training assistance for 100,000 individuals from developing nations.
Dr. Al Jaber concluded by highlighting the significance of COP28 as a global platform for transcending differences and uniting in the face of a common challenge that affects every corner of the world. Later, Jaber engaged in bilateral meetings with key figures, including China’s Special Envoy on Climate Change, Minister of Ecology and Environment, and other prominent officials, reinforcing the collaborative spirit necessary for climate progress.
This marks Dr. Al Jaber’s second visit to China in less than a month.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 28th Conference of the Parties (UNFCCCC COP28) Conference will be held from November 30th — December 12th, 2023, in Expo City, Dubai.
This news trend summary is prepared and edited by Carolyn Neugarten, Intern and Editorial Assistant, FINN Partners. To suggest future articles and topics, please contact Carolyn at carolyn.neugarten@finnpartners.com. You can share and utilize these weekly summaries to engage and prepare for COP28.
