COP28: EU will push for agreement to eliminate fossils – 10/16/2023 – Environment

Environment Ministers from European Union countries approved this Monday (16) the group’s position for COP28 (UN conference on climate change). They agreed to push for a world-first agreement to stop using fossil fuels that emit CO_two.

The agreement places the bloc of 27 countries as one of the most ambitious negotiators at the annual United Nations meeting, where almost 200 nations will sit at the table to negotiate efforts to combat global warming.

A central decision could be taken if the countries present at the summit, which begins on November 30 in Dubai (United Arab Emirates), agree for the first time to gradually eliminate fossil fuels. The burning of coal, oil and gas produces gases identified as the main cause of climate change.

The 27 countries unanimously decided to call at COP28 for the phase-out of “steadfast” fossil fuels, which would allow nations to continue burning coal, gas and oil if they use technologies to “abate”, or capture, the resulting emissions. .

Around ten countries — including Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Slovenia — wanted an even more ambitious agreement, so that all fossil fuels would be gradually replaced.

However, a similar number have successfully advocated for reduction with capture technologies. This group included Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Malta and Poland.

“If you listen to all the scientists, it’s clear that we need to gradually phase out all fossil fuels,” said Dutch Climate Minister Rob Jetten.

The division in the EU reflects global tensions on the issue. The countries that have opposed a gradual replacement of all fossil fuels are the poorest nations, who fear the impact on their economies.

Countries that produce and consume fossil fuels must also offer resistance during COP28.

European nations have also called for “inefficient” fossil fuel subsidies to be phased out by 2030, and said there is no room for new thermal power plants if the world wants to avoid serious climate change.