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In December 2023, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) hosted the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) on climate change, bringing together representatives from nations across the globe. The conference served as a platform for comprehensive strategic discussions on environmental challenges and sustainable development.
This edition of the CUTS Occasional News Wrap (ONW) encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and outcomes that emerged during COP28UAE. The compilation draws from articles and news covered in both print and electronic media, offering a comprehensive overview of the important milestones and agreements reached during the conference.
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- In A First, Nations At Climate Summit, Agree To Move Away From Fossil Fuels
By Brad Plumer and Max Bearak, The NewYork Times, December 13, 2023
Key takeaways: Diplomats from almost 200 countries approved a historic global climate pact in Dubai, explicitly calling for a transition away from fossil fuels to combat climate change. The non-binding agreement urges countries to accelerate the shift from oil, gas, and coal in a just manner, aiming to end carbon dioxide emissions by midcentury. The deal also emphasises tripling renewable energy by 2030 and reducing methane emissions. Although hailed as progress, critics cite loopholes and insufficient urgency, questioning whether nations will fulfil commitments. The agreement is seen as a diplomatic success for the UAE, the oil-rich host nation.
- Brazil’s Lula da Silva and Colombia’s Gustavo Petro: United On Preserving The Amazon Rainforest, Divided On Oil
By MARÍA MÓNICA MONSALVE S.EL PAÍS, January 04, 2024
Key takeaways: Brazil's President Lula and Colombia's President Petro, both leftists, reduced deforestation significantly. However, their divergence lies in the energy transition. Lula joined OPEC+ as an observer, aiming to influence fossil fuel profits towards renewable energy transition, but Brazil auctioned oil lots after COP28. Lula's focus on oil extraction, including in the Amazon, sparks criticism.
- Egypt Commends UAE For Successful COP28, Welcomes Conference Outcomes
By Sami Hegazi, Daily News Egypt, December 13, 2023
Key takeaways: Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commends the successful conclusion of the Climate Conference in Dubai, praising the UAE's organisation of COP28. The "UAE consensus" is acknowledged as a significant advancement in global climate action, aligning with scientific recommendations and principles of justice. The release of the first global climate action assessment since the Paris Agreement is also highlighted. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry congratulates COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber for his leadership.
- COP28: Move Beyond Rhetoric
By Amitabh Kant, THE WEEK, December 31, 2023
Key takeaways: COP28 in Dubai achieved a milestone as over 190 nations endorsed the Global Stocktake, urging a just transition from fossil fuels to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The urgency stems from the alarming depletion of the Remaining Carbon Budget, set to be exhausted by 2029. While commendable, the G20's commitment to renewable energy and climate finance needs robust enforcement to bridge global climate action gaps. The challenge now is to translate rhetoric into tangible steps, ensuring accountability and a decisive move away from fossil fuels.
- The COP28 Deal Is Missing One Big Thing: Money
By Mark Gongloff, Bloomberg, December 13, 2023
Key takeaways: COP28 delegates, including Sultan Al Jaber and John Kerry, secured a historic climate deal urging the end of fossil fuel use. However, the agreement lacks firm commitments from rich nations to aid developing countries with the estimated $6 trillion needed to transition by 2030. The deal's weaknesses include vague language, insufficient funding for loss and damage, and minimal progress on adapting to future warming. Neglecting financial aspects jeopardises the energy transition plan, leaving developing nations economically vulnerable and risking the deal's success.
- Beyond The Rhetoric COP28 Dubai
By Sanjeev Ahluwalia, Opinion India, December 18, 2023
Key takeaways: The COP28 opening featured a UN call to phase out fossil fuels urgently, advocating a tripling of renewable capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030. The report supports transitional fuels like natural gas and coal but emphasises a move away from unabated coal power. Financial transfers, especially for developing countries, are crucial, and the EU's Carbon Border Mechanism faces criticism for taxing developing country exports. The article stresses defining usage rights in the Troposphere to penalise overuse, fostering genuine collaboration during the energy transition.
- COP21 Was A Game-Changer For Clean Energy, COP28 Shows The Path Ahead
By Tim Gould, Hindustan Times, December 21, 2023
Key takeaways: In the eight years since the Paris Agreement, global clean energy investment has surged, with wind and solar now contributing 12% to global electricity. Electric car sales have risen to 20%, and the IEA predicts a peak in global demand for fossil fuels by the end of the decade. China's demand growth has slowed, and developing countries are adopting clean energy, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions. However, further efforts are needed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, as outlined in COP Dubai.
- EU and Egypt Sign Joint Declaration To Boost Cooperation On Sustainable Water Management
BY Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission, December 11, 2023
Key takeaways: On December 9, EU Commissioner Sinkevičius and Egyptian Minister Sewilam signed a Joint Declaration at COP28, establishing a sustainable water partnership. The agreement includes high-level annual meetings, a joint working group, and potential water forums for businesses. Focused on managing limited water resources, it aims to enhance Egypt's water security and foster cooperation between the EU and Egypt, potentially serving as a model for similar partnerships in Africa. Commissioner Sinkevičius emphasised the importance of addressing global water stress through increased collaboration.
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