It's been a month since the conclusion of COP28 in Dubai, an event that, according to some, marked a crucial turning point in the global fight against climate change, while others see it repeating the script of previous climate conferences, failing to achieve decisive change.
For the first time in 28 years of climate conferences, the final document explicitly mentions all fossil fuels. However, it outlines a gradual phase-out of these fuels, and it is precisely this gradual approach that sparks contrasting opinions, drawing criticism from the environmentalist community that finds the wording not sufficiently forceful in addressing the need to drastically reduce the use of such energy sources.
COP28 saw the participation of nearly 200 countries, with a focus on the Global Stocktake, a five-year process to assess states' progress regarding the commitments made in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Despite the significant step represented by the agreement, concerns arise about the alleged lack of financial commitments to implement the established measures.
The Global Stocktake has faced criticism, with voices raising doubts about the excessive freedom granted to the fossil fuel industry. This industry's lobby appears to welcome the call to develop technologies for climate change mitigation, such as carbon capture and storage, despite considerations about their safety and scalability.
The purpose of the Global Stocktake to provide guidelines for countries to review and monitor their emission reduction targets has been at the center of criticism. Currently, the existing national contributions seem insufficient to contain the projected increase within set limits, and without significant changes, a 2.9°C rise by 2100 is anticipated. The current temperature, already about 1.4°C above, dangerously approaches the critical limit of 1.5°C, while greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere reach unprecedented levels.
Although the commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030 has been well-received, criticisms mainly focus on funding for addressing the climate emergency, considering the $188 million investments inadequate.
Concerns also extend to the Loss and Damage Fund Agreement, with current funding deemed inadequate. Calls emerge in favor of the "polluter pays" principle, with a particular emphasis on greater financial contributions from major greenhouse gas emitters, including the United States. Doubts about the World Bank's management of the Fund fuel demands for a human rights-respecting approach and civil society involvement in financial decisions.
Lorenzo Nigro
For further information:
Cop28, here is the historic climate agreement reached in Dubai: "transition away" from fossil fuels by 2050 (la Repubblica)
The COP28 agreement was approved (il Post )