Phase-out Of Fossil Fuels
Source: The Hindu
GS III: Environment
Overview
- News in Brief
- How it helps
Why in the News?
The 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) in Dubai debates the phase-out of fossil fuels and the role of carbon capture technologies in combating climate change.
About the Discussion
- The draft of the global stocktake (GST) at COP28, which is a process to assess progress in dealing with climate change, has received criticism for not explicitly mentioning the need to phase out fossil fuels.
- This is a crucial step towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C, which is the goal of the Paris Agreement.
- The current COP28 President, Sultan Al-Jaber, has called for high ambition in addressing fossil fuel usage.
- While the draft lists various options to mitigate climate change, it notably omits a direct phase-out of all fossil fuels.
- The omission has raised concerns among climate activists and experts who believe that the draft should reflect a more ambitious and urgent approach to addressing the climate crisis.
Proposed Option
- Reducing fossil fuel consumption and production to target net zero emissions by mid-century.
- Tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, phasing down unabated coal, and accelerating low-emission technologies.
Reaction and Analysis
- The European Union and other entities criticize the draft for insufficient commitments to combat climate change.
- Experts highlight the disparity in treatment between developed and developing nations in the draft.
- Representatives from the Republic of the Marshall Islands underscore the necessity of a comprehensive fossil fuel phase-out.
Unabated Fossil Fuels
- “Unabated” refers to the burning of fossil fuels without significant reductions in emissions.
- The inclusion of this term in the final declaration could allow for the continued use of fossil fuels if carbon capture technologies are employed.
- John Kerry, U.S. climate envoy, emphasizes the importance of committing to phasing out all unabated fossil fuels.
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