COP28: 1st Global Assessment surprises by integrating, for the first time, the transition from fossil fuels!
After nearly two weeks of intense discussions and negotiations, COP28 was extended by one more day, and, in an unprecedented manner, the final text explicitly included the transition from fossil fuels.
The new document, 1st Global Assessment, encourages countries to commit to achieving a deep and rapid reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, even suggesting a “total abandonment of fossil fuels.”
With an unprecedented reference to a complete transition away from all fossil fuels, the United Arab Emirates Consensus provided a paradigm shift with the potential to redefine the global economy.
Stay updated on the latest happenings of COP28 with exclusive coverage from the Grupo Myr!
COP28: 1st Global Assessment achieves unprecedented feats!
Applauded with a standing ovation, Sultan Al Jaber, President of COP 28, announced the final agreement of the United Arab Emirates Consensus on Wednesday, December 13.
Surprisingly, COP28 achieved unprecedented feats, aiming for “a rapid, just, and equitable transition, sustained by deep cuts in emissions,” according to a note published on the official COP28 website.
“It’s a historic package to accelerate climate action. Everyone joined from the first day. United, they acted, and everyone delivered.”
Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber
(President of COP28)
“Although we have not turned the page on the era of fossil fuels in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end.”
Simon Stiell
Executive Secretary of the UN for Climate Change
Before delving into the text of the final agreement, check out a summary of the main achievements of COP28!
- Inclusion of provisions on fossil fuels in the final agreement;
- More oil and gas companies making commitments regarding methane and emissions.
- A global goal to triple renewable energies and double energy efficiency;
- Statements on Agriculture, Food, and Health.
Read: Global food issues and water security in focus on the 11th day of COP28!
Marina Silva’s Speech at the Closing of COP28: Demanding Accountability from Wealthy Nations
Present until the end of the conference, the Minister of Environment, Marina Silva, expressed her satisfaction with the inclusion of the most ambitious target of the Paris Agreement in the final text, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
However, during the closing ceremony of COP28, on Wednesday, December 13, Marina Silva reiterated Lula’s statement, emphasizing that developed countries should lead the energy transition and ensure the “necessary resources for developing countries to implement their mitigation and adaptation measures.”
Check out this statement from the minister by watching the full broadcast of the closing of COP28 here!
Next, follow an analysis of the Global Stocktake, released on Wednesday, December 13, by the Presidency of COP28.
Result of the ‘Global Stocktake’
The 1st Global Assessment, representing the first global evaluation of the Paris Agreement, assessed the collective progress of nations towards achieving the purpose and long-term goals of the agreement.
The Paris Agreement, based on principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, highlights finance, capacity building, and technology transfer as crucial elements that facilitate climate action.
Here are some highlights from the text of the First Global Assessment:
- The report expresses concern that global greenhouse gas emissions are still not on the necessary path to meet the temperature goals established by the Paris Agreement;
- It highlights the urgency of increasing ambition and implementing existing commitments to ensure these goals are met;
- Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience, and reducing vulnerability to climate change.
Mitigation
Regarding mitigation, the document demonstrates notable progress:
- Highlighting emission targets aligned with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2035;
- Significant improvement in language, with an energy package aimed at transitioning from fossil fuels and emphasizing abatement technologies in challenging sectors;
- Specific commitments for methane reduction and measures for road transport and low-emission vehicles broaden the positive impact;
- Recognition of the acceleration of low-carbon technologies, emphasis on the protection and restoration of ecosystems, and encouragement of ocean-based solutions are encouraging highlights.
Adaptation
In Adaptation, a positive step:
- The inclusion of “resilient food systems” represents encouraging progress.
Financial Context
In the Financial Context:
- The financial approach includes the reform of the financial architecture, as well as the recognition of climate risks to the financial system.
Despite significant advances, the First Global Assessment also highlights challenges and uncertainties that deserve attention.
Challenges and Uncertainties of the Global Assessment
We identify uncertainties in some aspects, such as:
- Adequate funding for just transitions in the energy package is still unclear;
- Ambiguity persists regarding transition fuels, indicating a lack of clarity in energy transition policies;
- The approach in the section on loss and damage is not forceful;
- The inclusion of aspects such as human rights, gender, and indigenous participation were omitted.
Media Repercussion
Stay informed about the media coverage from the release of the 1st Global Assessment:
Read:
COP28 calls for the abandonment of fossil fuels for the 1st time in history
COP28 ends with approval of the transition from fossil fuels
Myr Group: We have reached the end of our daily and exclusive coverage of COP28!
Our directors, Sérgio Myssior and Thiago Metzker, were in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, following the behind-the-scenes of this grand event. They actively participated in plenaries and essential panels, as well as conducting interviews with various authorities.
If you missed any of our blogs over the nearly two weeks of the event, don’t worry! Everything is available in the blog section of our website, since November 30.
Take the opportunity to get updated on everything that happened during the Climate Summit through our detailed coverage and stay tuned for the upcoming COP editions, as we will continue to bring relevant and updated information.
Myr in the Media: COP28 Summary
During COP28, as international observers, strategic partners of ICLEI (Local Governments for Sustainability) and Brazilian media, Sérgio Myssior and Thiago Metzker contributed valuable content.
Check out the interview with our director Sérgio Myssior, as a special guest on Jornal Minas from Rede Minas de Televisão, providing a summary of COP28. Watch!
Also check out the Jornal Minas report highlighting Minas Gerais’ participation in this edition of the Climate Summit in Dubai.
Minas Gerais concludes participation in COP 28: Sustainable Actions, Partnerships, and Investments!
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