Will COP28 finally ditch fossil fuels? Doesn't look like it
Hindustan Times|November 29, 2023
The language on phasing out or phasing down of planet-warming fossil fuels the global community ends up using is likely to be among the most contentious issues at the upcoming UN climate summit in Dubai, something that no party wishes to address.
Jayashree Nandi

With the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the two-week summit set to begin on November 30, the United Arab Emirates, which holds the presidency this year, is facing allegations of using the climate talks as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals.

The COP28 team of the UAE had plans to discuss fossil fuel deals with 15 nations, the Centre for Climate Reporting and BBC reported on Sunday, based on briefing documents seen by them.

“The documents referred to in the BBC article are inaccurate and were not used by COP28 in meetings,” a COP28 spokesperson said on Tuesday. “It is extremely disappointing to see the BBC use unverified documents in their reporting.”

'Complicated issue'

Even so, any language on fossil fuels is a sensitive issue at COP28 and UN reports have indicated that top emitters globally are heavily invested in oil and gas. The challenge of getting top emitters on board was also revealed by COP28 director-general Majid Al Suwaidi, who said fossil fuels are a “complicated” issue for all parties, referring to the participating nations.

“We know that this is a complicated issue for all parties. We have said from the beginning that this is a party driven process, our job is to get parties together to discuss and find consensus and we will see how that is addressed. It’s not our job to see what the COP should or shouldn’t be,” Suwaidi said on November 17. “What’s also important to think about is how we are addressing the issue of keeping global temperature rise under 1.5 degrees Celsius and the 22 GT (giga tonnes) emission-reductions needed, how do we get to where we want to be in a practical, realistic, honest and equitable way.”

This story is from the November 29, 2023 edition of Hindustan Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 29, 2023 edition of Hindustan Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMESView All
Aamir-Ajay off-screen reunion makes fans ask for Ishq 2
Hindustan Times

Aamir-Ajay off-screen reunion makes fans ask for Ishq 2

When actors Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgn reunited at an event on Saturday, it left their fans nostalgic.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Blissful Bebo in Saif haven!
Hindustan Times

Blissful Bebo in Saif haven!

Kareena Kapoor Khan is back in the bay from her Diwali holiday in the Maldives, and on Saturday, the actor shared some stunning pictures of sun-kissed beaches and sun-tanned skin from her dreamy getaway with her boys – actor-husband Saif Ali Khan and sons, Taimur and Jeh.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
FAKE TICKETS, SCALPING STRIKE A SOUR NOTE
Hindustan Times

FAKE TICKETS, SCALPING STRIKE A SOUR NOTE

Ahead of some big international gigs in India, we talk to artists and organisers about the rising threat of fake ticketing and black marketeering

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
He always had a smile on his face: Ssudeep Sahir delves into memories of Nitin Chauhaan
Hindustan Times

He always had a smile on his face: Ssudeep Sahir delves into memories of Nitin Chauhaan

Actor Ssudeep Sahir, one of the first to confirm the tragic passing of his Tera Yaar Hoon Main co-star Nitin Chauhaan, is in a state of shock after the incident. Chauhaan, 35, was found dead in his Mumbai flat on Friday. He allegedly died by suicide.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Hindustan Times

MCSWEENEY TO OPEN, INGLIS HANDED FIRST TEST CALL UP FOR BGT OPENER

Uncapped Nathan McSweeney won the race to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja in the first Test against India while Australia also handed a maiden Test call up to Josh Inglis on Sunday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024
Pakistan win 1st ODI series Down Under since 2002
Hindustan Times

Pakistan win 1st ODI series Down Under since 2002

Saim Ayub hit 42 and Abdullah Shafique 37 as Pakistan raced to a commanding eight-wicket victory and their first one-day series win in Australia for 22 years on Sunday.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Jagan Kumar, the 11-time national motorcycle champion, quits racing
Hindustan Times

Jagan Kumar, the 11-time national motorcycle champion, quits racing

NEW DELHI: It has been an emotional time for Jagan Kumar, the illustrious rider who decided to roll his bike into the garage for good after dominating Indian circuits for around 15 years.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
A rivalry and new momentum
Hindustan Times

A rivalry and new momentum

Sabalenka-Swiatek battle for the top promises an exciting year in women's tennis

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Varun's fifer in vain, Stubbs scripts a sensational chase
Hindustan Times

Varun's fifer in vain, Stubbs scripts a sensational chase

South Africa level series 1-1, beating India by three wickets in the second T20I at Gqeberha

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Chelsea, Arsenal in 1-1 draw; United win
Hindustan Times

Chelsea, Arsenal in 1-1 draw; United win

Chelsea and Arsenal shared the spoils in a tense and at times bruising 1-1 battle at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, keeping the London sides level in the Premier League, but still nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

time-read
1 min  |
November 11, 2024