In a landmark move at the UN climate talks, over 100 countries and 50 leading oil and gas companies have made a historic commitment to combat global warming significantly. This ambitious initiative was announced at the COP28 summit in Dubai, highlighting a global shift towards renewable energy and a sustainable future.
This sweeping pledge promises a threefold increase in the use of renewable energy worldwide by 2030. Among the signatories are energy giants like Saudi Aramco, who have vowed to halt the rise in greenhouse gases from production by 2050. This focus on production emissions, however, does not address the broader issue of burning fossil fuels - a point of contention for many environmentalists.
The COP28 summit, attended by nearly 200 countries, has seen the European Union and the United Arab Emirates, the host nation, championing the inclusion of this pledge in the final COP agreement. This step would mark a significant milestone in the collective fight against climate change.
Despite this progress, climate groups remain cautious. Many view the oil and gas companies' promises as "greenwashing," an attempt to appear eco-friendly without making substantial changes. Professor Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, expressed skepticism, emphasizing the need for the oil and gas sector to shift away from fossil fuel production entirely.
Echoing these concerns, Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency called for the fossil fuel industry to reduce its emissions by 2030, a full 20 years ahead of their current commitment. With the industry accounting for approximately 15% of global emissions, the urgency for action is palpable.
COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber described the new pledge as a significant first step, acknowledging the need for stronger decarbonization efforts within the industry. The UAE's Decarbonisation Charter, which includes commitments from companies responsible for 40% of global emissions, aims to achieve net zero by 2050.
Critics, however, argue that true decarbonization requires a complete cessation of oil and gas production. Carroll Muffett, president of the Center for International Environmental Law, called for an immediate and permanent halt to fossil fuel extraction, labeling any less comprehensive measures as mere industry greenwash.
In a powerful address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the necessity of phasing out fossil fuels to maintain the global temperature rise below 1.5C. Tina Stige, Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands, highlighted the importance of clean energy but warned against using the pledge to mask ongoing fossil fuel expansion.
The UAE's role as COP28 host and a top oil producer has drawn criticism, especially given Sultan al-Jaber's dual position as head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc). Amidst these discussions, more world leaders continue to address the summit, emphasizing the critical need for renewable energy and lifestyle changes to combat climate change.
In a message from Pope Francis, read in his absence due to illness, the pontiff underscored the importance of renewable energy and the elimination of fossil fuels in saving the planet. As COP28 progresses, the world watches closely, hopeful yet cautious about the potential impact of these commitments on the future of our climate.
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theatre actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
Environment ,
Global Pledge at COP28: A Step to Curb Climate Change
by : Samira Tasneem | Published: December 4, 2023
At COP28, over 100 countries and 50 oil firms commit to major climate action, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.
In a landmark move at the UN climate talks, over 100 countries and 50 leading oil and gas companies have made a historic commitment to combat global warming significantly. This ambitious initiative was announced at the COP28 summit in Dubai, highlighting a global shift towards renewable energy and a sustainable future.
This sweeping pledge promises a threefold increase in the use of renewable energy worldwide by 2030. Among the signatories are energy giants like Saudi Aramco, who have vowed to halt the rise in greenhouse gases from production by 2050. This focus on production emissions, however, does not address the broader issue of burning fossil fuels - a point of contention for many environmentalists.
The COP28 summit, attended by nearly 200 countries, has seen the European Union and the United Arab Emirates, the host nation, championing the inclusion of this pledge in the final COP agreement. This step would mark a significant milestone in the collective fight against climate change.
Despite this progress, climate groups remain cautious. Many view the oil and gas companies' promises as "greenwashing," an attempt to appear eco-friendly without making substantial changes. Professor Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, expressed skepticism, emphasizing the need for the oil and gas sector to shift away from fossil fuel production entirely.
Echoing these concerns, Fatih Birol of the International Energy Agency called for the fossil fuel industry to reduce its emissions by 2030, a full 20 years ahead of their current commitment. With the industry accounting for approximately 15% of global emissions, the urgency for action is palpable.
COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber described the new pledge as a significant first step, acknowledging the need for stronger decarbonization efforts within the industry. The UAE's Decarbonisation Charter, which includes commitments from companies responsible for 40% of global emissions, aims to achieve net zero by 2050.
Critics, however, argue that true decarbonization requires a complete cessation of oil and gas production. Carroll Muffett, president of the Center for International Environmental Law, called for an immediate and permanent halt to fossil fuel extraction, labeling any less comprehensive measures as mere industry greenwash.
In a powerful address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the necessity of phasing out fossil fuels to maintain the global temperature rise below 1.5C. Tina Stige, Climate Envoy for the Marshall Islands, highlighted the importance of clean energy but warned against using the pledge to mask ongoing fossil fuel expansion.
The UAE's role as COP28 host and a top oil producer has drawn criticism, especially given Sultan al-Jaber's dual position as head of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc). Amidst these discussions, more world leaders continue to address the summit, emphasizing the critical need for renewable energy and lifestyle changes to combat climate change.
In a message from Pope Francis, read in his absence due to illness, the pontiff underscored the importance of renewable energy and the elimination of fossil fuels in saving the planet. As COP28 progresses, the world watches closely, hopeful yet cautious about the potential impact of these commitments on the future of our climate.
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Samira Tasneem
Samira is an Electronics and Communications Engineer by profession, but deep inside, her heart is a nomad! She's a state champion debater, a public speaker, a scriptwriter, a theatre actress, but most importantly — A GREEN CITIZEN! She thinks of herself as a storyteller who thrives on enjoying the life at fullest and telling everyone the tales of life.
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