COP28 Singles Out Fossil Fuels as Main Climate Problem

Despite Historic Recognition, Agreement Falls Short of Urgency Needed for Climate Action

COP28, held in Dubai, has for the first time singled out fossil fuels as the main climate problem, with a 'supermajority' of countries supporting a phase-out of fossil fuels.
The final text of the summit calls for a transition 'away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science'.
Despite the historic recognition of fossil fuels as the main climate problem, the agreement does not mandate any actions and does not go far enough to capture the urgency needed to avoid worsening climate destruction.
The agreement includes language that gives succour to those wanting to delay or avoid action, such as mentions of carbon capture and 'transitional fuels', a phrase promoted by Russia and fossil fuel industries as code for more gas.
Australia's climate change minister, Chris Bowen, played an active role in the summit, suggesting the compromise in the final text and winning praise from some critics of the Albanese government's climate policies.