At COP28, agreement was reached on the 'transition' from fossil fuels

The agreement was communicated by the president of the conference, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber

ROME –  An agreement for the climate, with the commitment to “a spill” or “building a spill” from fossil fuels, in English “transition away”, was announced at Cop29 in Dubai. The agreement was communicated by the president of the conference, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.

PICKET:BALANCED AGREEMENT, COMMITMENT FROM ITALY FOR BEST RESULT

“The agreement reached in Dubai takes into account all the most relevant aspects of the Paris Agreement and the profoundly different requests of the various States, who nevertheless recognize a common ground and objective, with the guidance of science.Because of this, we consider the compromise reached to be balanced and acceptable for this historical phase, characterized by strong international tensions that weigh on the transition process.Italy, within the framework of the European commitment, was committed and determined until the end for the best possible result", declares the Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto, commenting on the Global Stocktake agreement at Cop28.

“On fossil sources – explains Pichetto – we looked for a more ambitious point of failure, but in agreement there is a clear message of acceleration towards their progressive abandonment, recognizing its transitory role:we have for the first time a common language on switching away from fossil fuels, for net zero emissions by 2050."

“The agreement – ​​continues Pichetto – establishes the need for deep and rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, in a context of contextual strong affirmation of renewables".“Among the many appreciable results – he explains – there is the recognition of a key role for nuclear and hydrogen“.

“Of particular importance – adds the Minister – is also the evidence that has been given to the need to reduce emissions in transport, with zero and low emission vehicles, which also include biofuels, thanks to the recognized Italian mediation in European coordination” .

“I also want to remember – adds Pichetto – the precious legacy of this COP in helping developing countries and those affected by climate disasters:Italy in Europe was among the major contributors to the 'Loss&Damage' fund with one hundred million, while with a series of bilateral agreements it wanted to strengthen the development of projects aimed at adaptation and energy efficiency in areas such as the Middle East, 'Africa, America, as well as Ukraine.'

“I want to thank those who have worked tirelessly over these hours to reach the agreement, contributing decisively to its definition:starting from the deputy minister Vannia Gava, the chief negotiator Federica Fricano and the very high level team that arrived from the ministry in Dubai, from the climate envoy Francesco Corvaro.A special thanks to the important mediation work of the Emirati presidency.In the Italian Pavilion, with over one hundred events – concludes Pichetto – Italy has been able to give a voice in this COP to young people, businesses, institutions and the many energies of this country”.

TAJANI:AMBITIOUS AGREEMENT, RECOGNIZES STRATEGIC NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

“The Global Stocktake package approved at COP28 is ambitious and takes into account a just, orderly and equitable energy transition process:a pragmatic transition with recognition of strategic nuclear technology for achieving zero emissions in 2050,” writes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on X.

ACTIONAID:PATH TO THE FUTURE WITHOUT FOSSILS REMAINS ROUGH

Teresa Anderson, global head of ActionAid for climate justice, comments on the text voted on at the COP28 in plenary at the close of the negotiations:“While the text sends a signal that the fossil fuel industry's days are numbered, richer countries have clearly refused to offer new financing to help developing countries make these goals an achievable reality.Rich countries want to have their cake and eat it too.But they should remember that there are no free climate goals. This text means that low-income countries, already in debt due to the costs of climate disasters, may be forced to make impossible choices between economic security and climate action."“The text presents many loopholes and offers several gifts to the so-called 'greenwashers', who mystify the real exit from fossil fuels with 'green' technologies, including carbon capture and storage, so-called transition fuels, nuclear energy and of carbon.Overall, it charts a bumpy road to a fossil-free future."