COP28: Navigating challenges for a sustainable future

From the editor’s desk

Rabindra Mukherji

As the curtains fall on COP28, the climate summit in Dubai, the world witnesses a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against climate change. Australian Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen took centre stage, boldly asserting the imperative of globally phasing out fossil fuels, positioning Australia as a contender in the race to lead the renewable energy revolution.

In the unfolding drama of diplomatic intricacies, Bowen’s direct call-out of Saudi Arabia adds a layer of geopolitical tension to the already charged atmosphere. The urgency of addressing fossil fuels to cap global heating at 1.5 degree Celsius echoes throughout Bowen’s address, urging a comprehensive agreement aligned with this ambitious goal.

Bowen, representing a major fossil fuel exporter, underscored the imperative for fossil fuels to play no ongoing role in global energy systems. He urged a transition to renewable energy, aligning Australia’s economic future with the goal of becoming a renewable energy superpower.

Bowen’s call was grounded in the findings of a global stocktake, revealing the world falling short of the 1.5 degree Celsius heating goal, necessitating emissions reduction targets and a tripling of renewable energy by 2030.

The minister proposed flexible language at the talks, suggesting that decisions on phasing out fossil fuels could include attaching the term “unabated”. However, this term stirred controversy, as it is often associated with allowing fossil fuel use with emissions reduction through carbon capture and storage, a technology facing skepticism for its commercial viability.

As the diplomatic theatre unfolded, Diego Pacheco, chief spokesperson for the Like Minded Group, accused certain countries of hypocrisy for supporting fossil fuel phase-out while planning to expand their own production. Ongoing differences between wealthy nations and emerging economies further complicated negotiations.

It is pertinent to be conscientious of how burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change.

Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, significantly contributes to climate change through the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.

The primary greenhouse gas emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels is carbon dioxide, although other gasses like methane and nitrous oxide are also released. More specifically stated, the combustion process releases carbon dioxide, a major contributor to the greenhouse effect. Increased carbon dioxide levels enhance the natural greenhouse effect, trapping more heat in the earth’s atmosphere. While less prevalent than carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are more potent greenhouse gasses. Methane, in particular, has a higher heattrapping capacity over shorter periods. Fossil fuel extraction, processing, and leaks contribute to methane emissions.

The accumulation of greenhouse gasses results in a thick layer that traps outgoing infrared radiation, leading to an overall warming of the earth’s surface. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as global warming. This warming contributes to various climate-related changes, including more frequent and intense heat waves. The warming accelerates the melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to rising sea levels. This poses a threat to coastal areas, leading to increased flooding and erosion. The warming atmosphere influences weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events. This includes hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires. The carbon dioxide absorption by the world’s oceans leads to ocean acidification. This can have detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, particularly on organisms with calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, such as corals and certain shellfish.

Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt ecosystems, affecting plant and animal species. Some may struggle to adapt, leading to shifts in biodiversity and potential species extinctions.

Climate change triggers feedback loops that amplify the warming effect. For example, melting Arctic ice reduces the earth’s surface reflectively, leading to more absorption of sunlight and further warming.

Besides, climate change can exacerbate existing social and economic challenges, particularly in vulnerable communities. This includes impacts on agriculture, water resources, and the overall stability of ecosystems that support human societies.

Therefore, addressing the impact of burning fossil fuels on climate change assumes significance and it involves transitioning to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, implementing energy efficiency measures, and adopting policies to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, summits like COP28 assume significance. The world is facing many challenges such as terrorism, poverty, economic recession, political instabilities, climate change and others. Among these challenges, climate change comes to the fore, given the urgency with which it needs to be tackled collectively.

Despite the challenges, COP28 concluded with a compromise text supporting a historic “transition away from fossil fuels.” However, the inclusion of controversial abatement technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, sparked debate. The agreement emphasized the tripled capacity of renewable energy, doubled energy efficiency, and the launch of a “loss and damage” fund to aid climate-vulnerable nations.

The unexpected conclusion brought both praise and criticism. While some hailed it as a significant step towards a cleaner future, others, including climate scientist Bill Hare, criticized the compromise for failing to put the world on a path to limiting warming to 1.5 degrees. The Association of Small Island States raised objections to loopholes favouring fossil fuel use, reflecting the complexity of the negotiations.

Bowen, speaking on behalf of the Umbrella Group of countries, acknowledged that the consensus fell short of some countries’ expectations but emphasized the signal it sent- a recognition that the future lies in clean energy.

The COP president declared the “UAE consensus” endorsed without objection, marking a historic shift in addressing fossil fuels directly.

The important point is, COP28 concluded with a global compromise, navigating challenges to set the world on a path towards renewable energy. While not without controversies, the agreement signals a collective recognition of the need to transition away from fossil fuels for a sustainable and equitable future. The COP28 summit showcased the delicate balancing act required to navigate global climate discord. Bowen’s outspoken stance reflects Australia’s commitment to renewable energy but also underscores the challenging diplomacy involved in steering discussions towards meaningful agreements. The compromise text, while a step forward, leaves room for ongoing debates, emphasizing the ongoing complexity of addressing the global climate crisis. The unexpected conclusion hints at both the urgency and intricacy of international efforts to secure a sustainable future.