COP28 agrees to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewables

The COP28 climate summit in Dubai has ended with an unprecedented agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, although nations did not go as far as committing to a phaseout of oil, coal and gas.

All parties at the conference also agreed to triple renewables capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, endorsing the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge, spearheaded by the European Commission.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said that for the first time the outcome of a UN climate conference recognises the need to transition away from fossil fuels.

“To those who opposed a clear reference to a phaseout of fossil fuels in the COP28 text, I want to say that a fossil fuel phase out is inevitable whether they like it or not. Let’s hope it doesn’t come too late,” he added.

Commenting on the deal, SolarPower Europe director of global affairs Mate Heisz, said: “The specific inclusion of solar, wind and storage for the first time signifies the critical role renewables must play in delivering a clean, and just energy transition this decade.”

“However, we’ve still missed an opportunity to phase out fossil fuels,” Heisz further commented and added that this significant win for the renewable energy sector should be followed up with urgent action.

The next round of national climate action plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions, is scheduled for submission in 2025.

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