World sees a glimpse of climate crisis, yet action slow

The Dubai Consensus at COP28 drew the curtains on a rather dramatic year for climate.

- Tannu Jain

The outcome, disappointing in a larger context, was historic in finally bringing fossil fuels to the discussions, signalling an acknowledgement after decades of negotiations that oil, gas, and coal were directly responsible for rising temperatures.

The countries agreed on the need to "transition away from fossil fuels" in a "just, orderly and equitable manner", recognising that richer nations were expected to take the lead. The consensus came after days of haggling, fears that the talks may fail on the penultimate day, and the discussions finally running into overtime.

The language of the agreement, however, fell short on compelling countries to take action with a polite "call" to transition away, or even set a timescale for achieving the targets except a "net zero by 2050" recommendation.

The text also reiterated the Glasgow language on "unabated phase down of coal", brought in a clause for curbing methane emissions, added health and food systems to the targets, and recognised that carbon budget in line with the Paris Agreement goal of 1.5°C was depleting.