<p>The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Sunday (Dec 10) released its first detailed assessment of the ongoing COP28 climate talks in Dubai, and it couldn’t be more concerning.</p>

<p>The experts concluded that despite the commitments made during the summit by more than 100 nations, the world was still off track to cap global warming to the crucial 1.5-degree threshold.</p>

<p>The analysis showed that fresh pledges would lead to reduced gas emissions by four gigatons; however, it was just one-third of what was required.</p>

<p>The pledges “would not be nearly enough” to keep global heating to 1.5 degrees, said an IEA statement.</p>

<p>The IEA’s Executive Director Fatih Birol was quoted as saying by CNN that enough countries had not joined pledges to wean themselves off fossil fuels.</p>

<p>“The IEA’s very latest assessment of these pledges shows that if they are fully implemented by their signatories to date, they would bridge only 30% of the gap to reaching international climate goals,” Birol told CNN.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is a need for more countries and companies to join the pledges — and for agreement on an orderly and just decline of global fossil fuel use if we want to keep the 1.5 °C goal in reach," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Key pledges</strong></h2>

<p>Over 120 countries, including the United States, have agreed to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency measures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fifty major oil and gas companies, such as Exxon and Saudi Aramco, have committed to reducing methane emissions by 80 to 90 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, companies have also pledged to abandon the practice of flaring by 2030. Flaring is the deliberate burning of natural gas during oil extraction.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-financing-progress-made-at-cop28-but-is-it-enough-667272"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Climate financing: Progress made at COP28, but is it enough?</strong></a></p>

<p>Companies sometimes flare natural gas to depressurise systems during oil drilling, though, at other times, flaring occurs when an operator doesn’t need or want to collect all the gas available, often because it’s cheaper to burn it than collect it.</p>

<h2><strong>Contention</strong></h2>

<p>However, negotiations on language related to all fossil fuels, including oil and gas, are proving contentious.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While over 100 countries support a fossil fuel phase-out, some oil-producing nations resist any reference to reducing oil and gas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-summit-in-dubai-india-offers-to-host-climate-talks-in-2028-world-news-wion-665137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>These discussions come amidst the backdrop of 2023 being officially recognised as the hottest year on record, marked by severe climate-related events worldwide.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Sunday (Dec 10) released its first detailed assessment of the ongoing COP28 climate talks in Dubai, and it couldn’t be more concerning.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Sunday (Dec 10) released its first detailed assessment of the ongoing COP28 climate talks in Dubai, and it couldn’t be more concerning. The experts concluded that despite the commitments made during the summit by more than 100 nations, the world was still off track to cap global warming to the crucial 1.5-degree threshold. The analysis showed that fresh pledges would lead to reduced gas emissions by four gigatons; however, it was just one-third of what was required. The pledges “would not be nearly enough” to keep global heating to 1.5 degrees, said an IEA statement. The IEA’s Executive Director Fatih Birol was quoted as saying by CNN that enough countries had not joined pledges to wean themselves off fossil fuels. “The IEA’s very latest assessment of these pledges shows that if they are fully implemented by their signatories to date, they would bridge only 30% of the gap to reaching international climate goals,” Birol told CNN. "There is a need for more countries and companies to join the pledges — and for agreement on an orderly and just decline of global fossil fuel use if we want to keep the 1.5 °C goal in reach," he added. Key pledges Over 120 countries, including the United States, have agreed to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency measures. Fifty major oil and gas companies, such as Exxon and Saudi Aramco, have committed to reducing methane emissions by 80 to 90 per cent. Similarly, companies have also pledged to abandon the practice of flaring by 2030. Flaring is the deliberate burning of natural gas during oil extraction. Also read: Climate financing: Progress made at COP28, but is it enough? Companies sometimes flare natural gas to depressurise systems during oil drilling, though, at other times, flaring occurs when an operator doesn’t need or want to collect all the gas available, often because it’s cheaper to burn it than collect it. Contention However, negotiations on language related to all fossil fuels, including oil and gas, are proving contentious. While over 100 countries support a fossil fuel phase-out, some oil-producing nations resist any reference to reducing oil and gas. Watch: COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028 × These discussions come amidst the backdrop of 2023 being officially recognised as the hottest year on record, marked by severe climate-related events worldwide. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Not enough,’ International Energy Agency issues grim assessment of COP28 pledges

<p>India and China, two major economies and top coal consumers in the world, on Saturday (Dec 2) abstained from a pledge taken by 118 countries on the sidelines of the annual UN climate summit (COP28).<br />
<br />
The pledge focused on tripling the global renewable energy generation capacity to around 11,000 GW and doubling energy efficiency's average annual rate by 2030. India decided to keep away from signing the pledge while continuing its stance of using coal till 2030.<br />
<br />
Despite taking many steps to increase the country's non-fossil fuel energy generation capacity which includes wind, solar and hydel, it has not been willing to make commitments regarding majorly cutting down its reliance on coal-fired power plants, which is the main source of generating electricity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-cop28-five-passionate-environmentalists-who-are-restoring-indias-biodiversity-tirelessly-665225">COP28: Five passionate environmentalists who are restoring India's biodiversity tirelessly</a></p>

<p>India has continued to maintain that it will not be "pressured" into making the reduction of the usage of coal as it is not willing to compromise on the power supply which drives its economic growth and even in the G20 Declaration, which had prioritised de-addiction to coal, kept its stance of using coal at least till 2030.<br />
<br />
The stance by India has place it at odds with the emerging consensus of decreasing dependency on fossil fuel and in congruence with China along with other oil producers Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran.</p>

<h2><strong>India aims to increase non-fossil power capacity by 2030, may sign deal later</strong></h2>

<p>However, government officials have continued to maintain that India has been targetting to substantially increase its non-fossil power capacity by 2030, in accordance with the climate action pledge taken under the Paris Agreement, while maintaining that it cannot make any commitment which disturbs the priority of boosting development so as to lift millions out of poverty.<br />
<br />
The officials said that India's principled stand should not be taken as rigidity because India can be a part of the deal later after its terms are negotiated, as the agreement clearly notes the circumstances of every country and their capability to negotiate.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-summit-in-dubai-india-offers-to-host-climate-talks-in-2028-world-news-wion-665137/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“After all, it has been done outside the COP28 negotiation process. It just reflects the intent of global efforts and there has been no question mark on India's intent. India is already on board as part of the signatory of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration,” an observer said, as reported by The Times Of India.<br />
<br />
At the G20 leaders’ summit which was organised in Delhi and where a unanimous communique was issued, the richest countries in the world, including those who did not participate, had agreed to “pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally through existing targets and policies, as well as demonstrate similar ambition with respect to other zero and low-emission technologies, including abatement and removal technologies, in line with national circumstances by 2030”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India and China, two major economies and top coal consumers in the world, on Saturday (Dec 2) abstained from a pledge taken by 118 countries on the sidelines of the annual UN climate summit (COP28).

India and China, two major economies and top coal consumers in the world, on Saturday (Dec 2) abstained from a pledge taken by 118 countries on the sidelines of the annual UN climate summit (COP28). The pledge focused on tripling the global renewable energy generation capacity to around 11,000 GW and doubling energy efficiency's average annual rate by 2030. India decided to keep away from signing the pledge while continuing its stance of using coal till 2030. Despite taking many steps to increase the country's non-fossil fuel energy generation capacity which includes wind, solar and hydel, it has not been willing to make commitments regarding majorly cutting down its reliance on coal-fired power plants, which is the main source of generating electricity. Also read: COP28: Five passionate environmentalists who are restoring India's biodiversity tirelessly India has continued to maintain that it will not be "pressured" into making the reduction of the usage of coal as it is not willing to compromise on the power supply which drives its economic growth and even in the G20 Declaration, which had prioritised de-addiction to coal, kept its stance of using coal at least till 2030. The stance by India has place it at odds with the emerging consensus of decreasing dependency on fossil fuel and in congruence with China along with other oil producers Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iran. India aims to increase non-fossil power capacity by 2030, may sign deal later However, government officials have continued to maintain that India has been targetting to substantially increase its non-fossil power capacity by 2030, in accordance with the climate action pledge taken under the Paris Agreement, while maintaining that it cannot make any commitment which disturbs the priority of boosting development so as to lift millions out of poverty. The officials said that India's principled stand should not be taken as rigidity because India can be a part of the deal later after its terms are negotiated, as the agreement clearly notes the circumstances of every country and their capability to negotiate. Watch: COP28 summit in Dubai: India offers to host climate talks in 2028 “After all, it has been done outside the COP28 negotiation process. It just reflects the intent of global efforts and there has been no question mark on India's intent. India is already on board as part of the signatory of the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration,” an observer said, as reported by The Times Of India. At the G20 leaders’ summit which was organised in Delhi and where a unanimous communique was issued, the richest countries in the world, including those who did not participate, had agreed to “pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally through existing targets and policies, as well as demonstrate similar ambition with respect to other zero and low-emission technologies, including abatement and removal technologies, in line with national circumstances by 2030”. (With inputs from agencies)

COP28: India, China abstain from renewable power pledge, 118 nations sign up

<p>The COP28 climate conference in Dubai kicked off on a positive note after the member countries agreed to set up a climate disaster fund that would help countries to deal with the global warming crisis.</p>

<p>The operationalisation of the fund on Thursday (Nov 30) drew a standing ovation from delegates in the audience.</p>

<p>So far, $475 million has&nbsp;been pledged to the “loss and damage” fund, with the European Union committing around $245.39 million, which includes Germany’s $100 million, while the host, UAE, pledging an additional $100 million.</p>

<p>The US will contribute $17.5 million and Japan $10 million. The UK has also pledged $51 million to the fund.</p>

<p>Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday (Nov 30), COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber said that the agreement marks a “positive signal of momentum” at the start of the 2023 conference.</p>

<p>This is the “first time a decision has been adopted on Day One of any COP, and the speed in which we have done so is also unique, phenomenal and historic. This is evidence that we can deliver. COP28 can and will deliver,” he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Some key areas need to be resolved&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>However, many key arrangements are yet to be resolved, such as who should pay into the fund, what would be the corpus amount and who would administer the money.</p>

<p>The payment options into the funds have been made voluntary, and all developing countries are eligible to directly access the resources.</p>

<p>The World Bank will be the interim host to the fund for a period of four years — an issue that previously fuelled tensions between high-income and low-income countries.</p>

<h2><strong>COP28 chief urges countries and fossil fuel companies to work together</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Notably, last year no country had promised any money to the fund.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Jaber at the summit urged countries and fossil fuel companies to work together to meet global climate goals.</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cast-from-the-past-when-kissinger-failed-to-make-china-attack-india-during-1971-bangladesh-liberation-war-664777">Cast From The Past: When Kissinger failed to make China attack India during 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War</a></p>

<p>Jaber, who is also the CEO of the United Arab Emirates' national oil company ADNOC, aimed to strike a conciliatory tone following months of criticism over his appointment as&nbsp;the head of COP28.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-sounds-alarm-in-dubai-says-2023-set-to-be-hottest-year-in-human-history-664688">COP28: UN Chief sounds alarm, says 2023 set to be hottest year in history</a></p>

<p>He acknowledged that there were "strong views" about the idea of including language on fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The COP28 climate conference in Dubai kicked off on a positive note after the member countries agreed to set up a climate disaster fund that would help countries to deal with the global warming crisis.

The COP28 climate conference in Dubai kicked off on a positive note after the member countries agreed to set up a climate disaster fund that would help countries to deal with the global warming crisis. The operationalisation of the fund on Thursday (Nov 30) drew a standing ovation from delegates in the audience. So far, $475 million has been pledged to the “loss and damage” fund, with the European Union committing around $245.39 million, which includes Germany’s $100 million, while the host, UAE, pledging an additional $100 million. The US will contribute $17.5 million and Japan $10 million. The UK has also pledged $51 million to the fund. Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday (Nov 30), COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber said that the agreement marks a “positive signal of momentum” at the start of the 2023 conference. This is the “first time a decision has been adopted on Day One of any COP, and the speed in which we have done so is also unique, phenomenal and historic. This is evidence that we can deliver. COP28 can and will deliver,” he said. Some key areas need to be resolved However, many key arrangements are yet to be resolved, such as who should pay into the fund, what would be the corpus amount and who would administer the money. The payment options into the funds have been made voluntary, and all developing countries are eligible to directly access the resources. The World Bank will be the interim host to the fund for a period of four years — an issue that previously fuelled tensions between high-income and low-income countries. COP28 chief urges countries and fossil fuel companies to work together Notably, last year no country had promised any money to the fund. Earlier in the day, Jaber at the summit urged countries and fossil fuel companies to work together to meet global climate goals. Also read | Cast From The Past: When Kissinger failed to make China attack India during 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War Jaber, who is also the CEO of the United Arab Emirates' national oil company ADNOC, aimed to strike a conciliatory tone following months of criticism over his appointment as the head of COP28. Also read | COP28: UN Chief sounds alarm, says 2023 set to be hottest year in history He acknowledged that there were "strong views" about the idea of including language on fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text. (With inputs from agencies)

COP28 summit kicks off with breakthrough climate disaster fund agreement

<p>The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a dire warning in Dubai ahead of the UN climate conference COP28, declaring that 2023 is on track to become the hottest year ever recorded, citing alarming indicators such as record-high sea levels, unprecedented sea surface temperatures, and historic low in Antarctic sea ice.</p>

<p>"We're in deep trouble," Guterres said while urging the nations for global action on the climate change crisis.&nbsp;"The State of the Global Climate in 2023 is stark and clear. Things are moving so fast that the full month before the end of the year, we can already declare that 2023 is the hottest year recorded in human history," he reportedly said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>WMO report</strong></h2>

<p>While the official data for the entire year is not yet available, a preliminary report from the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicated a global temperature increase of 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.</p>

<p>Guterres stressed the critical importance of adhering to the 1.5-degree limit established in the 2015 Paris Agreement, calling the current situation a "climate collapse in real time" with devastating impacts.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-will-india-overcome-climate-challenges-and-spearhead-change-at-cop28-664493">Explained | Will India overcome climate challenges and spearhead change at COP28?</a></p>

<p>The UN chief, who recently visited climate hotspots in Antarctica and Nepal, expressed shock at the rapid decline of glaciers and observed a one-million-square-kilometer reduction in Antarctic sea ice compared to the previous record low.</p>

<p>The WMO report also highlighted extreme melting in glaciers in western North America and the European Alps.</p>

<p>The concentration of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record highs in the atmosphere, with carbon dioxide levels now 50 per cent above pre-industrial levels.</p>

<p>WMO reports also suggested the long-lasting impact of carbon dioxide, indicating that temperatures will continue to rise for years to come.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-cop28-big-meat-companies-to-present-meat-as-sustainable-nutrition-664355">At Cop28, big meat companies to present meat as ‘sustainable nutrition’</a></p>

<p>The report underscored the&nbsp;consequences of climate upheaval, citing instances like the deadly Cyclone Daniel in Libya and devastating floods in the Horn of Africa. It also drew attention on the communities worldwide facing food insecurity and displacement due to extreme weather events.</p>

<h2><strong>'Global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders'</strong></h2>

<p>Guterres urged world leaders to take decisive action. “Record global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders,” he earlier said and added, “And it should trigger them to act”.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-commits-14163-bn-to-extend-free-food-programme-664561">India commits $141.63 bn to extend free food programme</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-commits-14163-bn-to-extend-free-food-programme-664561/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Guterres also laid emphasis on the importance of developed countries fulfilling their financial commitments, delivering $100 billion per year in climate finance, and doubling funding for adaptation efforts. The ongoing climate conference in Dubai is the 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a dire warning in Dubai ahead of the UN climate conference COP28, declaring that 2023 is on track to become the hottest year ever recorded, citing alarming indicators such as record-high sea levels, unprecedented sea surface temperatures, and historic low in Antarctic sea ice.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a dire warning in Dubai ahead of the UN climate conference COP28, declaring that 2023 is on track to become the hottest year ever recorded, citing alarming indicators such as record-high sea levels, unprecedented sea surface temperatures, and historic low in Antarctic sea ice. "We're in deep trouble," Guterres said while urging the nations for global action on the climate change crisis. "The State of the Global Climate in 2023 is stark and clear. Things are moving so fast that the full month before the end of the year, we can already declare that 2023 is the hottest year recorded in human history," he reportedly said. WMO report While the official data for the entire year is not yet available, a preliminary report from the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicated a global temperature increase of 1.4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Guterres stressed the critical importance of adhering to the 1.5-degree limit established in the 2015 Paris Agreement, calling the current situation a "climate collapse in real time" with devastating impacts. Also Read | Explained | Will India overcome climate challenges and spearhead change at COP28? The UN chief, who recently visited climate hotspots in Antarctica and Nepal, expressed shock at the rapid decline of glaciers and observed a one-million-square-kilometer reduction in Antarctic sea ice compared to the previous record low. The WMO report also highlighted extreme melting in glaciers in western North America and the European Alps. The concentration of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record highs in the atmosphere, with carbon dioxide levels now 50 per cent above pre-industrial levels. WMO reports also suggested the long-lasting impact of carbon dioxide, indicating that temperatures will continue to rise for years to come. Also Read | At Cop28, big meat companies to present meat as ‘sustainable nutrition’ The report underscored the consequences of climate upheaval, citing instances like the deadly Cyclone Daniel in Libya and devastating floods in the Horn of Africa. It also drew attention on the communities worldwide facing food insecurity and displacement due to extreme weather events. 'Global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders' Guterres urged world leaders to take decisive action. “Record global heat should send shivers down the spines of world leaders,” he earlier said and added, “And it should trigger them to act”. Watch | India commits $141.63 bn to extend free food programme × Guterres also laid emphasis on the importance of developed countries fulfilling their financial commitments, delivering $100 billion per year in climate finance, and doubling funding for adaptation efforts. The ongoing climate conference in Dubai is the 28th Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. (With inputs from agencies)

COP28: UN Chief Antonio Guterres sounds alarm, says 2023 set to be hottest year in human history