Date : 6/12/2023

Relevance: GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology

Keywords: COP28, socio-economic development, Renewable energy, phase-out

Context-

The global landscape of climate change discussions has encountered a seismic shift at the COP28 climate meeting in Dubai. Sultan Al Jaber, the President of COP28, has ignited controversy by hinting at the inclusion of a fossil fuel phase-down proposal in the final agreement—a departure from the historical avoidance of this critical issue.

Historical Silence on Fossil Fuels:

For over three decades, COPs have consistently sidestepped acknowledging the pivotal role played by fossil fuels—oil, gas, coal, and their derivatives—in exacerbating global warming. Despite contributing a staggering 80% to greenhouse gas emissions, these fuels have been systematically neglected in climate negotiations. This historical inertia has impeded the formulation of effective strategies to combat climate change, leaving fossil fuels as the unspoken impediment to meaningful progress.

Controversial Remarks of Sultan Al Jaber:

The current controversy revolves around an online event where Sultan Al Jaber responded to queries about integrating a fossil fuel phase-down proposal into the COP28 agreement. His assertion, challenging the prevailing narrative, posited that achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target did not necessitate an outright elimination of fossil fuels. Al Jaber's dual role as a government minister and CEO of a major oil company has added a layer of complexity, leading to accusations of conflicts of interest and potential bias.

Fossil Fuel Debate:

Fossil fuels, constituting 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions, pose a significant barrier to reaching climate targets. Notwithstanding, major nations have predominantly concentrated on emission reduction without directly confronting the fundamental problem of fossil fuel consumption. Navigating the delicate equilibrium between sustainable socio-economic development and the imperative to either phase down or phase out fossil fuels stands as a complex challenge that demands nuanced consideration.

Global Climate Targets and Challenges:

The ongoing climate initiatives are anticipated to yield only a modest 2% decline in emissions from 2019 levels by the year 2030, a figure that starkly contrasts with the crucial 43% reduction recommended by scientific consensus. Despite the promising trajectory of the worldwide shift towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the transition lacks the necessary velocity to rapidly replace fossil fuel capacity. The imperative to achieve the 2030 targets accentuates the critical necessity for a transformative paradigm shift in global climate negotiations.

India's Initiative at COP27:

India played a pivotal role as a catalyst for transformative change during the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27), advocating for the incorporation of a comprehensive fossil fuel phase-out in the conclusive agreement. This momentous event stood out as a historic milestone, representing the inaugural official acknowledgment of any fossil fuel within a COP decision. The terms 'phase-out' and 'phase-down' assumed central importance in the intricate negotiations, symbolizing the nuanced complexities inherent in addressing the fossil fuel predicament. India's proactive and assertive stance sought to recalibrate the narrative, especially in response to the inclusion of coal in the outcomes of COP26. This proactive approach underscores India's commitment to reshaping the discourse and actively participating in the global effort to combat climate change.

International Dynamics and Power Play:

Talking about fossil fuels is a sensitive topic for big countries like the US, EU, China, India, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE during discussions about the climate. These countries, which either make or use a lot of fossil fuels, usually talk about climate goals in general terms and avoid directly mentioning these types of energy. However, because there's growing pressure to reach the goals set for 2030, they are starting to rethink how they talk about and deal with fossil fuels. They're realizing they need to address this issue more directly and carefully to meet the targets and tackle climate change.

Sultan Al Jaber's Call for Proposals:

In an unprecedented move, Sultan Al Jaber has invited countries to submit proposals on fossil fuel phase-out, signaling a potential shift in COP28 outcomes. While a mention of the need to phase down fossil fuels in the final decisions would mark a groundbreaking development after three decades, the intricate details and schedules are poised to be subjects of intense negotiations. Al Jaber's role, both as a government representative and an oil industry executive, adds complexity to the ongoing discussions.

Conclusion

The ongoing COP28 climate meeting has injected vitality into the stagnant discourse on fossil fuels and their impact on global warming. Sultan Al Jaber's remarks have ignited controversy, prompting a potential reevaluation of climate negotiations and breaking the historical silence on the issue. As the world grapples with the urgent need to achieve climate targets, the inclusion of fossil fuels in COP discussions represents a paradigm shift that could reshape the trajectory of global climate action. The specifics of the fossil fuel phase-down proposal and its acceptance will undoubtedly be the focus of intense negotiations, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change.

Source- The Indian Express