COP28 is entering an agreement phase in which parties could take a historic step and “reduce the production and consumption” of fossil fuels to achieve a net-zero emissions target in 2050, according to the first draft adopted at the summit. but subject to approval.

However, the first criticism was not long in coming, since although a gradual phase-out of fossil fuel consumption and production is envisaged, there is no urgent need to take any action in this critical decade, which is considered key to preventing rising temperatures. average global temperature rise of 1.5°C.

Spanish Minister of Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera believes that some parts of the text are “totally unacceptable” and that there is no clarity on how it will develop during these critical decades: “We must send a message in accordance with the science.” , emphasized the representative of Spain.

The lack of urgency makes the project presented by the countries most vulnerable to climate change inaccessible. “The Republic of the Marshall Islands did not come here to sign our death warrant. We have come to fight for 1.5 and the only way to achieve this is by phasing out fossil fuels. What we see today is unacceptable,” he assured. . John Silk, Minister of Natural Resources and Trade of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. “We will not go quietly to our watery graves. We will not accept a result that will devastate our country and millions, if not billions, of our most vulnerable people and communities,” the head of the delegation added. Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Between now and tomorrow, unless extended, COP28 is set to close the Global Balance, the first process to review what has been achieved since Paris Agreement and in which the parties must agree on the next steps to be taken to ensure the planet’s climate security.

Representatives of civil society present at the Summit also did not like the draft text. “It presents a list of options that countries can choose to do or not do to accelerate the energy transition. While the project includes reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels to achieve net zero around 2050, it is only one of many options. options that countries can act on or not,” says Kaisa Kosonen, head of the Greenpeace delegation to COP28.

“This project does not reflect the historical moment we have witnessed in recent weeks and opens the door to a series of false solutions that will benefit the oil, gas and coal industries rather than ensuring a safe, fair and equitable future for all people and living.” creatures on the planet,” the ecologist added.

By false solutions, he refers to CO2 capture methods, which have been much talked about at this summit and which for many are false hope that we can reduce climate-changing pollution with technology that has not been developed.

“This represents a significant departure from previous versions. Surprisingly, explicit language about phasing out fossil fuels was removed, opting instead for a vague commitment to “reduce both consumption and production” by 2050. This is a clear sign of the lobbying power of the fossil fuel industry, which influences global policy in favor of the long-term use of fossil fuels,” he stressed. Harjeet SinghHead of Global Political Strategy, CInternational Action Network in Limate.