Transforming the Tone and Revisiting the Article
Dubai's Climate Conference Adopts a Shift from Fossil Fuels
After unsuccessful attempts during two grueling nights of discussions, the COP President presented the revised core text of the resolution the next morning at the Dubai climate conference. Surprisingly, it advocates for a "transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems," making it the very first resolution at a UN climate conference to address the future of all fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas.
In the face of strong resistance from oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia, the ambitious EU countries found it challenging to advocate for an all-out withdrawal from fossil fuels. Nevertheless, EU Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra felt optimistic, stating, "We could now be stepping into the early stages of the end of fossil fuels."
The contentious resolution appeals for a threefold increase in global renewable energy capacity by 2030 and a doubling of energy efficiency within the same time frame. The text also addresses "transitional energies" such as natural gas and controversial technologies focused on capturing and storing CO2.
Environmental and developmental organizations lauded the new draft as a significant advancement over the previous vague proposal and an "important signal," albeit acknowledging it as insufficient.
Additional Insights
The call for a global phasing-out of fossil fuels corresponds closely with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF NPT) initiative, which has already garnered support from over 14 countries. These nations insist on curbing the expansion of oil, gas, and coal production, promoting a steady transition to clean energy sources[2].
The Paris Agreement, too, highlights the necessity of transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems. Member States aim for sizable cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a tripling of renewable energy capacity worldwide and a doubling of the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030[4].
António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has consistently championed the shift towards renewable energy, observing that an overwhelming majority of nations have committed to net zero emissions. He recently urged Member States to reach the global emission peak this year, with a rapid decline thereafter, to keep long-term temperature rises below 1.5°C[5].
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has developed a Sectoral Solution roadmap, outlining strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across diverse sectors, including energy, industry, agriculture, and land use[3].
Promoting zero- and low-carbon energy sources, such as renewables and nuclear power, represents a crucial focus in the transition. Low-carbon hydrogen production, carbon capture, and utilization and storage technologies are also being actively considered in sectors with hard-to-attain carbon emissions reductions[4].
To support the renewable energy transition, significant climate finance is needed, with an annual goal of $1.3 trillion by 2035. The participation of developed countries is imperative in doubling adaptation finance to at least $40 billion annually[5].
In conclusion, the Dubai climate conference underscores the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels and transition to clean, renewable energy sources. The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Paris Agreement, and United Nations initiatives demonstrate global commitments to a sustainable transition, focusing on renewable energy deployment, climate finance, and the development of alternative energy technologies.
