COP28: Amidst a slew of declarations, countries begin making their stance on fossil fuel phase out at negotiations
3 December 2023
“Declaration on tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency by 2030 is an important step but must be complemented by a plan for full phase out of all fossil fuels”
3 December, Dubai: Speakers at the Climate Action Network (CAN) said at a press briefing today at COP28 that there is still much work to be done to reach an agreement on a global plan to phase out fossil fuels, safeguard human health and ensure that the energy transition is be backed by new finance in the form of grants and not loans.
Jess Beagley, Policy Lead, Global Climate & Health Campaigner, spoke on the day that health has been designated a theme at the climate conference.
She said: “The COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health is not the end of discussions but the start of a momentum that is needed to achieve ambitious climate action. The declaration is strong on many aspects but it needs to go further.
“There is no mention of human rights despite the fact that the human right to health is embedded within the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC documentation. There is also no mention of fossil fuels despite the fact that they are the leading driver of climate change, air pollution and, therefore, its health impacts.
“We really need to avoid promises and pledges made about health that don’t deliver and it is crucial that all climate finance is offered in the form of grants and not loans. Health Day is the start of discussions but unless we translate this momentum, that is building, into the heart of the negotiations, then it won’t deliver.”
Catherine Abreu, Executive Director, Destination Zero, said:
“As we’ve entered into the implementation phase of the Paris Agreement countries are forcing this process towards historical turning points. Fossil fuels have been dragged kicking and screaming to the centre stage at COP28 after decades of being able to hide behind climate negotiations that only talk about emissions but not about their cause. Finally we are hearing the truth reverberate around these spaces.
“We are hearing that agreements will only be reached with a package that delivers equity, fairness and the importance of finance is critical. We need money to make this happen and developing countries are making it clear that a package of finance to help them deliver the energy transition will be essential for them to agree to it.”
Janet Milongo, Senior Officer, Global Platform of Action, CAN International, said:
“While we welcome the renewable energy and energy efficiency pledge, the Global Decarbonization Accelerator still falls short of what is required to achieve global climate goals. Prolongation of fossil fuel lifelines is evident. Dangerous distractions like carbon capture and storage have no place in an energy transition plan.
“Emission cuts need to be meaningful, and cover both operational emissions and those from burning fossil fuels. Methane cuts in the fossil fuel industry are necessary and urgent, but not sufficient. They would only be effective coupled with a rapid and equitable phase out of all fossil fuels.”
Sergio Chaparro Hernandez, International Policy and Advocacy Lead, Tax Justice Network, said that Colombia yesterday endorsed the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty but challenges remain:
He said: “This endorsement is a significant gamble considering more than 50% of Colombia’s exports are still oil and coal. Looking ahead the challenges are still enormous, including how to achieve tangible structural changes for communities. Externally Colombia faces an unfair global architecture, including the role of risk rating agencies that punish countries taking alternative development paths.
“If Colombia were to fail it would be a huge blow for decarbonised development that can deliver climate justice to local communities. It is also important for other countries in similar positions to also take this path and strengthen South – South cooperation mechanisms to rethink their development path along ecological lines so that they can empower communities economically and politically. It is therefore important for other countries to take a stand for life as we face the climate emergency.”
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MEDIA CONTACT AT COP28
Dharini Parthasarathy, Global Communications Lead, Climate Action Network International, dparthasarathy@climatenetwork.org / +918826107830 CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK
Climate Action Network (CAN) is a global network of over 2000 civil society groups in more than 150 countries together fighting the climate crisis. More information on www.climatenetwork.org