Cop28 deal was ‘a good Christmas present to the world’

The Cop28 climate agreement was a good gift to the world just days before Christmas, said Midlands green energy expert Ron Fox.

After almost two weeks of discussion in Dubai nearly 200 countries pledged last week for the first time to move away from fossil fuels which are driving global warming, with 2023 set to be the hottest on record.

The talks came close to collapse, but in a dramatic turn-around into the early hours of the last day a compromise deal was agreed by everyone and this was met with cheers and a standing ovation.

“I think this could be a turning point for our planet in cutting carbon emissions,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park. “It is the first time all fossil fuels have been mentioned after 30 years of UN climate conferences.”

He said the delegates from 197 countries in a 21-page document agreed on the need to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just orderly and equitable manner.”

This is important, Ron said, because it is a recognition that richer countries are expected to move away from coal, oil and gas more quickly.

It also sends an important and clear message to investors and businesses worldwide that green energy projects must be financed for years to come so the world can hit net zero.

The agreement includes global targets to triple the capacity of renewable energy like wind and solar power, and to double the rate of energy efficiency improvements, both by 2030.

It calls as well on countries to accelerate low and zero-emission technologies like carbon capture and storage.

A “loss and damage” fund for vulnerable countries has been started and wealthy nations have already contributed hundreds of millions of pounds to it.

Ron said he accepted that many groups, including the UK, USA and EU and some of the smaller nations which are most vulnerable to climate change, had wanted a more ambitious commitment to “phase out” fossil fuels.

“But I do think this is the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era,” added Ron. “However, there is much work to be done as countries have just six years to reach a target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 45 per cent by 2030.

“It does mean that to keep global warming to 1.5C and well below 2C means global emissions must fall by 8.7 per cent every year from now until 2030.”

The host for the 2024 UN climate talks was confirmed as gas-rich Azerbaijan in the Caucuses.

“If you want any green energy advice, contact me on 01782 756995 – but in the meantime have a green and happy Christmas,” said Ron of Noreus Ltd (www.noreus.co.uk).

Caption: The Cop28 logo.