The UN climate conference in Dubai concluded on Wednesday with a final document on the transition from fossil fuels. While Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) speaks of a “huge step forward”, aid organizations such as World Vision believe that the results are “not a major breakthrough”.
As reported, it was decided to move away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Negotiators also agreed to support people particularly affected and harmed by global warming. You must make adjustments to the changed climate and provide financial assistance. “The world is moving away from fossil fuels. This is a huge step forward,” Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) said in an initial statement. It is, in fact, a new era in global climate protection.
There were also words of praise from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “Science tells us that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees is impossible without phasing out fossil fuels. This was also recognized by a growing and broad coalition of countries at COP28,” Guterres wrote on Platform
You can view Guterres’ tweet here.
Von der Leyen: “Good news for the world”
Von der Leyen spoke of “good news for the whole world.” But before the deal, EU countries had called for a global phase-out of all fossil fuels. This met with resistance from oil states such as Saudi Arabia.
Criticism of the final document comes from parties such as the SPÖ and aid organizations. “(…) As with the Paris Agreement, there are no obligations. This means that there is once again a risk that the nice words are not followed by action,” SPÖ environmental spokeswoman Julia Herr said in a broadcast. Some, such as Austria’s UNFCC youth delegates, criticized the fact that Austria’s promised climate law is still pending.
“(…) Ambitious climate goals are becoming out of reach and the consequences, such as global hunger crises, are likely to worsen,” fears Ekkehard Forberg of the aid organization World Vision. In a broadcast, Greenpeace Austria warns of loopholes in the law that could “open the door to carbon storage or nuclear energy.” “Instead of lagging behind in Austria, the exit from fossil fuels should now be included in national legislation,” recommends Klara König from Fridays For Future Austria (see video above).
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
