Debate at UN climate talks centers around cutting back on fossil fuels

At the UN climate talks in Dubai, a draft deal has been published which aims to reduce dependence on coal, oil, and gas. The original language calling for a phaseout of fossil fuels has been replaced in the new draft. All 194 countries present at the summit must agree to the deal in order for it to be effective. The burning of fossil fuels by humans is contributing to global warming and endangering millions of lives, but governments have not yet reached a consensus on how or when to stop using them. The head of the Alliance of Small Island States, which represents nations most affected by climate change, criticized the draft for its weak language on fossil fuels and claimed it was completely insufficient. Political representatives from various nations, including those on the frontlines of climate change, have gathered in Dubai to address this pressing issue, especially in a year that is on track to be the hottest on record. Earlier versions of the draft included an option to phase out fossil fuels in line with scientific recommendations, but the final version now suggests a reduction in usage. It proposes that countries should decrease the consumption and production of fossil fuels by 2050 in a fair and equitable manner to prevent further emissions of greenhouse gases. The draft does include a commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030, a pledge that has already been signed by over 100 nations during the talks. Sultan al-Jaber, the president of COP28, expressed his enthusiasm for the draft, viewing it as a substantial step forward. However, the draft may fall short of meeting the expectations set by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who stated that the success of the talks would be determined by the nations' ability to decide on the future of coal, oil, and gas. Guterres emphasized the need to reach a consensus on phasing out fossil fuels in accordance with a 1.5C temperature rise timeline, as agreed by nations to curb global warming. The official deadline for the talks is Tuesday, but there is a possibility of extending the negotiations as nations debate the final terms of the agreement.