World leaders are discussing the future role of fossil fuels at COP28, the UN climate conference in Dubai. The world hopes to see a consensus to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/global-net-zero-targets-in-jeopardy-as-fossil-fuel-phase-out-plans-lag-behind-666773">formally phase out fossil fuels</a> to tackle the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-on-verge-of-crossing-major-tipping-points-might-trigger-climate-catastrophe-in-10-years-report-666744">climate crisis</a>. The global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to hit a record high this year, according to a report published on Tuesday (Dec 5).&nbsp;Where are we lacking, and what should be the world's immediate focus in addressing this issue? 
 
"Climate change is no longer a possibility; it is unfolding in front of us at this very moment," Per Heggenes, the CEO of IKEA Foundation, the philanthropic wing of the Swedish home furnishings company, told WION.&nbsp;

"Therefore, fossil fuels must be phased out; countries must stop relying on fossil fuels for their energy needs."

"Building on the lessons learned from past agreements, the international community can work collaboratively to strengthen commitments, enhance transparency, and ensure that climate goals are not only set but diligently met," Saurabh Kumar, Vice President- India of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP)&nbsp;told WION.

"The climate crisis is not a national problem but a global challenge, and to combat climate change, we need to work together as partners," Kumar added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-debate-over-fossil-fuels-rages-on-at-cop28-climate-summit-global-co2-emissions-hit-new-record-666515">Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Phasing out fossil fuels: A massive challenge&nbsp;</h2>

Scientists are concerned over rising levels of carbon dioxide emissions. The UN released a draft on Tuesday (Dec 5) pertaining to the fossil fuels phase-out.&nbsp;

The draft, which could be the final agreement from COP28, proposed "an orderly and just phase-out of fossil fuels".

It would mark the first global deal 'to end the oil age' if it gets adopted at the summit.&nbsp;

But it's not that simple.&nbsp;

The proposal is expected to stir fierce debate among the nearly 200 countries attending the two-week conference as some of the nations are pressing for it, but many oil and gas producers are keen to avoid it.

Heggenes said that phasing out of fossil fuels "won't happen overnight" and we "will continue to witness energy generation from fossil fuels in the near future".&nbsp;

The IKEA Foundation CEO added: "With differentiated responsibilities, developing and under-developed countries are bound to utilise fossil fuels to meet their energy needs on the road to development."&nbsp;

However, he believes that with advances in technology and sufficient funding, it would be possible to phase out fossil fuels entirely in the coming decades.&nbsp;

He noted that according to the International Energy Agency, global renewable power capacity additions are expected to jump by a third this year.&nbsp;

"However, the pace of growth has to increase substantially if we are to meet the growing energy demands while simultaneously addressing climate change," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-witnessed-a-climate-disaster-almost-everyday-this-year-cyclone-michaung-is-one-more-to-that-tally-666523">Data lab |&nbsp;India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Climate 'tipping point report': 'World is at a pivotal point, govt should act now to save planet'&nbsp;

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<h2>What's the process to phase out&nbsp;fossil fuels?</h2>

With their economies partially or fully dependent on energy export revenues, bigwigs of the oil and gas industry don't want a complete shutdown on the usage of fossil fuels.

They are, in fact, talking about progress made to tackle the emissions issue as they highlighted the cutting of the greenhouse gas methane.&nbsp;

It won't be an easy task for some Western and climate-vulnerable nations to fight against fossil fuels lobbyists.&nbsp;

The registered fossil fuel lobbyists attending COP28 outnumbered the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries combined, as per a data analyisis done by the NGO Kick Big Polluters Out, based on UN registration data.&nbsp;

Weighing in on the phasing-out process, Heggenes said it would take time and involve different actors from multiple sectors working in tandem.&nbsp;

"We would need government regulations and investment, research and development, inflow of private capital, development of infrastructure and finally, participation of the general public."

"Apart from the obvious need to scale up renewable energy production, which would require considerable investment and research, there needs to be a sense of urgency and collective responsibility across sectors," he said.&nbsp;

World leaders are discussing the future role of fossil fuels at COP28, the UN climate conference in Dubai. The world hopes to see a consensus to formally phase out fossil fuels to tackle the climate crisis.

World leaders are discussing the future role of fossil fuels at COP28, the UN climate conference in Dubai. The world hopes to see a consensus to formally phase out fossil fuels to tackle the climate crisis. The global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to hit a record high this year, according to a report published on Tuesday (Dec 5). Where are we lacking, and what should be the world's immediate focus in addressing this issue? "Climate change is no longer a possibility; it is unfolding in front of us at this very moment," Per Heggenes, the CEO of IKEA Foundation, the philanthropic wing of the Swedish home furnishings company, told WION. "Therefore, fossil fuels must be phased out; countries must stop relying on fossil fuels for their energy needs." "Building on the lessons learned from past agreements, the international community can work collaboratively to strengthen commitments, enhance transparency, and ensure that climate goals are not only set but diligently met," Saurabh Kumar, Vice President- India of Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) told WION. "The climate crisis is not a national problem but a global challenge, and to combat climate change, we need to work together as partners," Kumar added. Also read: Explained | Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now? Phasing out fossil fuels: A massive challenge Scientists are concerned over rising levels of carbon dioxide emissions. The UN released a draft on Tuesday (Dec 5) pertaining to the fossil fuels phase-out. The draft, which could be the final agreement from COP28, proposed "an orderly and just phase-out of fossil fuels". It would mark the first global deal 'to end the oil age' if it gets adopted at the summit. But it's not that simple. The proposal is expected to stir fierce debate among the nearly 200 countries attending the two-week conference as some of the nations are pressing for it, but many oil and gas producers are keen to avoid it. Heggenes said that phasing out of fossil fuels "won't happen overnight" and we "will continue to witness energy generation from fossil fuels in the near future". The IKEA Foundation CEO added: "With differentiated responsibilities, developing and under-developed countries are bound to utilise fossil fuels to meet their energy needs on the road to development." However, he believes that with advances in technology and sufficient funding, it would be possible to phase out fossil fuels entirely in the coming decades. He noted that according to the International Energy Agency, global renewable power capacity additions are expected to jump by a third this year. "However, the pace of growth has to increase substantially if we are to meet the growing energy demands while simultaneously addressing climate change," he said. Also read: Data lab | India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally Watch: Climate 'tipping point report': 'World is at a pivotal point, govt should act now to save planet' × What's the process to phase out fossil fuels? With their economies partially or fully dependent on energy export revenues, bigwigs of the oil and gas industry don't want a complete shutdown on the usage of fossil fuels. They are, in fact, talking about progress made to tackle the emissions issue as they highlighted the cutting of the greenhouse gas methane. It won't be an easy task for some Western and climate-vulnerable nations to fight against fossil fuels lobbyists. The registered fossil fuel lobbyists attending COP28 outnumbered the delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries combined, as per a data analyisis done by the NGO Kick Big Polluters Out, based on UN registration data. Weighing in on the phasing-out process, Heggenes said it would take time and involve different actors from multiple sectors working in tandem. "We would need government regulations and investment, research and development, inflow of private capital, development of infrastructure and finally, participation of the general public." "Apart from the obvious need to scale up renewable energy production, which would require considerable investment and research, there needs to be a sense of urgency and collective responsibility across sectors," he said.

Calls rise to phase out fossil fuels, but it remains a challenge to devise a formal plan at COP28

After months of delaying a key conference on ocean protection, world leaders have finally come under the same roof. The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres started the conference on Ocean protection in Lisbon by saying that the world is facing an ocean emergency and we need to work towards ocean protection.

UN Climate conference on Ocean protection seeks solution

Spain's environment minister on Friday blasted the "absolutely irresponsible attitude" of US President Donald Trump's administration regarding climate change, just days before an annual climate change conference opens in Madrid.

The United States earlier this month started the process of withdrawing from the 2015 Paris climate accord, making the world's largest economy the sole outlier from the agreement.

Trump, who took office in 2017, has also sought to block California from setting tighter standards on car emissions and moved to let states set their own standards on existing coal-fired power plants.

"We have an absolutely irresponsible attitude on the part of the Trump administration," Environment Minister Teresa Ribera said during an interview with Spanish public television.

An attitude which is "irresponsible in the eyes of the planet as a whole, because what the world's biggest economy does... affects us all, but irresponsible as well for the interests of American society," she added.

"The international community found a way to say 'no, it's important to continue to work, it's important to continue to coordinate actions', nobody is formally following President Trump, we are seeing a positive reaction."

Spain's Socialist government offered to host this year's UN climate conference, known as COP25, after the event's original host Chile withdrew last month due to deadly riots over economic inequality.

Spanish authorities expect some 25,000 participants and 1,500 journalists from around the world to attend the two-week gathering, which gets underway on Monday in Madrid.

The US will be officially out of the Paris climate accord on Nov 4, 2020, one day after a presidential election in which Trump is seeking a second term.&nbsp;

Spain's environment minister on Friday blasted the "absolutely irresponsible attitude" of US President Donald Trump's administration regarding climate change, just days before an annual climate change conference opens in Madrid.

Spain's environment minister on Friday blasted the "absolutely irresponsible attitude" of US President Donald Trump's administration regarding climate change, just days before an annual climate change conference opens in Madrid. The United States earlier this month started the process of withdrawing from the 2015 Paris climate accord, making the world's largest economy the sole outlier from the agreement. Trump, who took office in 2017, has also sought to block California from setting tighter standards on car emissions and moved to let states set their own standards on existing coal-fired power plants. "We have an absolutely irresponsible attitude on the part of the Trump administration," Environment Minister Teresa Ribera said during an interview with Spanish public television. An attitude which is "irresponsible in the eyes of the planet as a whole, because what the world's biggest economy does... affects us all, but irresponsible as well for the interests of American society," she added. "The international community found a way to say 'no, it's important to continue to work, it's important to continue to coordinate actions', nobody is formally following President Trump, we are seeing a positive reaction." Spain's Socialist government offered to host this year's UN climate conference, known as COP25, after the event's original host Chile withdrew last month due to deadly riots over economic inequality. Spanish authorities expect some 25,000 participants and 1,500 journalists from around the world to attend the two-week gathering, which gets underway on Monday in Madrid. The US will be officially out of the Paris climate accord on Nov 4, 2020, one day after a presidential election in which Trump is seeking a second term.

Spain blasts 'irresponsible' US attitude on climate change

India Wednesday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/paris-climate-agreementtrump-says-india-china-pay-too-little-to-help-poor-countries-15022">Paris climate agreement</a> was "non-negotiable" and there could be no compromise on the basic principles such as equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC).

"We all agree that the Paris Agreement is non-negotiable. Therefore, the delicate balance reached between developed and developing countries must be retained, and the principles such as equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities must be given its due," India said at the ministerial session of the UN Climate Conference here.

It said the outcome at Katowice should be inclusive, consensus-based and an integrated package, including all the components of the Paris Agreement Work Programme, to reflect the global consensus reached three years ago on this very day while adopting the Paris Agreement.

"Most importantly, we must stand with the poor, marginalised and vulnerable communities who would be most impacted by climate change to show that 'WE CARE'," India said in a statement.

It added that it was time we focussed on finding common grounds and supporting each other, based on the principles of equity and climate justice, so that "no one is left behind".

"It is important to ensure equitable access to global commons for all. The Paris Agreement signifies progress towards enhanced implementation of the Convention. While we do so, we have to maintain continuity in action by fulfilling pre-2020 commitments.

"While we continue to take stock of pre-2020 action and ambition next year as well, we expect that developed countries shall honour their pre-2020 commitments so that no undue burden is shifted to the post-2020 period. We also look forward to see the Doha Amendment coming into force as soon as possible," said the statement made on behalf of Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan.

The statement on behalf of Vardhan was made by A K Mehta, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, late Wednesday night.

The statement came amid a move by the developed countries, led by the US and the EU, to dilute CBDR-RC, a principle within the United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change.

India and the other developing countries strongly resisted their move, citing the historical responsibility of the developed nations in emitting carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.

India welcomed the recent IPCC Special Report, which says human activities are estimated to have caused approximately one-degree Celsius of global warming above the pre-industrial levels and is currently increasing at 0.2-degree Celsius per decade.

"The vulnerable populations are the worst hit by extreme weather events due to a lack of resources to cope with them. The report enjoins upon us to collectively address the issues of climate change with the urgency that it deserves," India said, days after the UN scientific report was blocked by countries, including the US, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait, at the ongoing climate conference here.

Earlier, India, along with three other nations, had said the UN scientific report should be taken into account in the climate negotiations.

The BASIC group of nations comprising Brazil, South Africa, India and China had made its stand clear on the UN report on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial levels at a joint-press conference held on the sidelines of the UN climate talks here.

India Wednesday said the Paris climate agreement was "non-negotiable" and there could be no compromise on the basic principles such as equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC).

India Wednesday said the Paris climate agreement was "non-negotiable" and there could be no compromise on the basic principles such as equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDRRC). "We all agree that the Paris Agreement is non-negotiable. Therefore, the delicate balance reached between developed and developing countries must be retained, and the principles such as equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities must be given its due," India said at the ministerial session of the UN Climate Conference here. It said the outcome at Katowice should be inclusive, consensus-based and an integrated package, including all the components of the Paris Agreement Work Programme, to reflect the global consensus reached three years ago on this very day while adopting the Paris Agreement. "Most importantly, we must stand with the poor, marginalised and vulnerable communities who would be most impacted by climate change to show that 'WE CARE'," India said in a statement. It added that it was time we focussed on finding common grounds and supporting each other, based on the principles of equity and climate justice, so that "no one is left behind". "It is important to ensure equitable access to global commons for all. The Paris Agreement signifies progress towards enhanced implementation of the Convention. While we do so, we have to maintain continuity in action by fulfilling pre-2020 commitments. "While we continue to take stock of pre-2020 action and ambition next year as well, we expect that developed countries shall honour their pre-2020 commitments so that no undue burden is shifted to the post-2020 period. We also look forward to see the Doha Amendment coming into force as soon as possible," said the statement made on behalf of Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan. The statement on behalf of Vardhan was made by A K Mehta, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, late Wednesday night. The statement came amid a move by the developed countries, led by the US and the EU, to dilute CBDR-RC, a principle within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change. India and the other developing countries strongly resisted their move, citing the historical responsibility of the developed nations in emitting carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. India welcomed the recent IPCC Special Report, which says human activities are estimated to have caused approximately one-degree Celsius of global warming above the pre-industrial levels and is currently increasing at 0.2-degree Celsius per decade. "The vulnerable populations are the worst hit by extreme weather events due to a lack of resources to cope with them. The report enjoins upon us to collectively address the issues of climate change with the urgency that it deserves," India said, days after the UN scientific report was blocked by countries, including the US, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Kuwait, at the ongoing climate conference here. Earlier, India, along with three other nations, had said the UN scientific report should be taken into account in the climate negotiations. The BASIC group of nations comprising Brazil, South Africa, India and China had made its stand clear on the UN report on limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial levels at a joint-press conference held on the sidelines of the UN climate talks here.

Paris climate agreement non-negotiable, no compromise on basic principles: India

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Calls rise to phase out fossil fuels, but it remains a challenge to devise a formal plan at COP28

UN Climate conference on Ocean protection seeks solution

Spain blasts 'irresponsible' US attitude on climate change

Paris climate agreement non-negotiable, no compromise on basic principles: India