COP28 was the first time that several of the 198 Parties represented explicitly acknowledged that the emissions of global energy production need to be curbed, noting that they cannot depend on just one alternative energy source, but several, and when those power sources are used depend on their environment. They pledged to triple renewable energy by 2050, increase carbon sequestration efforts, and with fund more than $1 billion for decreasing methane emissions.

Before the negotiators of 198 Parties agreed to the conditions of COP28, a plan to phase out fossil fuels was removed from the final text, as it could be seriously damaging to developing nations. While those plans did not make it to the final draft, in the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter, the companies that produce over 40% of the world’s oil agreed “to cut methane emissions and invest in emissions abatement technologies, including laying a pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050,” which will seriously decrease the impact of the energy produced from these companies.

Progress was also made for nuclear energy, with “[m]ore than 24 nations and 120 companies […] committing to tripling the world’s nuclear energy capacity by 2050” in the Net Nuclear Initiative, and the US announced its plans for advancing nuclear fusion energy.

COP28 was one of the most monumental climate meetings because it was the first time that many nations recognized the climate crisis and their responsibility to combat it, making substantial pledges that could dramatically cut the GHG emissions from the energy sector in a relatively short period. These advancements may be overdue, but they are direly needed and greatly appreciated.

This week concludes my coverage of COP28! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series, and I’m glad that it has brought international climate news to my attention. I’m satisfied with the variety of information my Synopsis has come to provide, with technological breakthroughs and advancements, personal impacts through consumer decisions, and climate news, of course. It’s nice to know what is being worked on, what we can expect, and what we can do to decrease our own carbon footprint. I hope you’ve enjoyed this as much as I have, and stay tuned to learn with me!

Final COP28 text reflects complexities of global climate action, breaks ground with new, pragmatic approach

Final COP28 text reflects complexities of global climate action, breaks ground with new, pragmatic approach