The environment and development organisation Germanwatch draws a largely positive conclusion from the World Climate Conference in Dubai (COP28). Although the final text contains weaknesses, it also sends out strong messages in key areas. On the whole, the agreed energy package is satisfactory. Rapid implementation is crucial.
“Overall, the climate conference sends a strong signal to the world. For the first time, a world climate conference is calling on all countries to organise the transition away from coal, oil and gas. This is an important step. It could even be a historic step - but only if a massive global phase-out of coal, oil and gas actually takes place over the next few years”, explains Christoph Bals, Political Director of Germanwatch.
According to the resolution, corresponding activities to move away from fossil fuels should be accelerated in this crucial decade, i.e. by 2030. This is underpinned by the call to contribute to the realisation of the very ambitious global targets for renewable energies and energy efficiency. These targets envisage a tripling of renewable energies and a doubling of energy efficiency by 2030.
“It is now a matter of doing everything we can to ensure that global emissions actually fall by 43 percent by 2030 compared to 2019, as science demands for a 1.5 degree pathway. It is not only the small island states that doubt that all countries will actually pull together and ensure their survival. Accepting gas as a bridging technology can open up major loopholes”, says Bals.
More support for developing countries
Strengthening the ability to adapt to the consequences of the climate crisis was the second important negotiation strand at the World Climate Conference. In addition to the important decision to operationalise the Fund for Loss and Damage on the first day of the conference, a framework for the Global Adaptation Goal was also adopted. Rixa Schwarz, Head of International Climate Policy at Germanwatch, criticises:
“The design of the global adaptation goal is too weak, especially in the sub-targets and financial support for climate adaptation in developing countries. This is nowhere near enough to serve as a guide for the countries' regional adaptation measures and thus enable significantly improved protection for the countries and people most affected by the climate crisis.”
