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Historic Climate Deal Reached at UN Summit in Dubai Sparks Mixed Reactions

After days of intense negotiations at the UN Climate Summit in Dubai, a historic deal has been agreed upon, marking the first time all countries are called upon to transition away from using fossil fuels. However, the deal falls short of the complete phase-out that many governments had pushed for, leaving room for both praise and criticism.

The agreement acknowledges the urgent need for deep, rapid, and sustained reductions to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber lauded the deal, stating that nations have “confronted realities and set the world in the right direction.”

The use of fossil fuels, a major contributor to global warming, has long been a contentious issue in climate negotiations. The new deal signifies a milestone as it marks the first time governments have collectively committed to moving away from fossil fuels.

However, representatives from island nations, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change, voiced discontent. Samoa’s representative expressed frustration, stating they were “not in the room” when the deal was approved. Campaign groups, including Greenpeace, also criticised the agreement, arguing that it falls short of achieving a transition to renewable energy in a “fair and fast manner.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres weighed in on the controversy, directing a message to those opposing a clear reference to the phase-out of fossil fuels. Guterres emphasised, “Whether you like it or not, fossil fuel phase-out is inevitable. Let’s hope it doesn’t come too late.”

Outside the main negotiation room, reactions varied among key players. Denmark’s climate minister, Dan Jannik Jørgensen, expressed that European countries had hoped for stronger language and increased solidarity with the developed world. He noted that the world has finally acknowledged the need to move away from fossils.

New Zealand’s climate change minister echoed similar sentiments, calling the deal imperfect but “a step forward.” He emphasised the importance of addressing climate financing for countries most impacted by climate change, particularly small island nations.

Australia’s climate minister, Chris Bowen, labelled the deal a “strong result” and an “important milestone.” However, he acknowledged that it falls short of certain expectations, echoing the concerns of the US and small island nations. Bowen celebrated the inclusion of commitments to increase renewable energy in the agreement, signalling progress on the global shift toward cleaner sources of energy.

Kiki Garba