At Cop28, a deal has been reached on fossil fuels, but opinions differ on its effectiveness. The podcast discusses small island states' responses, staying within the 1.5C limit, and the controversy surrounding the agreement. It highlights progress on renewable energy and the transition away from fossil fuels, but calls for more action in areas like finance and adaptation. The importance of including fossil fuels in COP documents and urgent emissions cuts is also emphasized.
13:49
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
The COP28 climate deal fell short of expectations for many, with small island states calling for stronger measures and financial provision and adaptation efforts considered lacking.
The inclusion of fossil fuels in the COP text was hailed as progress, but the consensus-based nature of the UN climate process and vague wording of the agreement could lead to minimal efforts in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Deep dives
The Climate Deal: Incremental Advancement, But Not Enough
The landmark climate deal announced in Dubai by 200 countries was portrayed as a success by COP 28 President Sultan Al-Jaba, though it fell short of expectations for many. Small island states, facing an existential threat, felt the deal did not go far enough. While progress was made, it was deemed insufficient. The deal highlighted the need for a transition away from fossil fuels, though stronger measures such as phase-out were desired. Financial provision and adaptation efforts were also considered lacking. Overall, the deal was seen as both historic and tragic, an important but insufficient step towards progress.
Consensus-based Process and Slow Progress
The inclusion of fossil fuels in the COP text was hailed as progress, considering the economic dependency of many countries on these fuels. However, the consensus-based nature of the UN climate process can lead to compromises and slow progress. While COPs are essential, they tend to lag behind the urgent actions needed. Pressure from small island states and shifts in public opinion played a role in getting fossil fuels mentioned in the agreement. The wording of the deal allows countries to interpret and implement it differently, potentially leading to minimal efforts in transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Next Steps and the Challenge Ahead
The next COP will be held in Baku, another petro state, followed by Brazil in 2025. In 2023, greenhouse gas emissions are projected to reach record levels, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis. To stay on track for the crucial 1.5 degrees limit, emissions must be cut by 43% by 2030. However, the current trajectory is heading in the wrong direction. The future COPs will be pivotal moments for countries to come back with stronger commitments in line with the Paris Agreement. The scale of the challenge is immense, and swift, ambitious actions are needed to address the climate crisis.
A deal has been announced at Cop28 in Dubai, and depending who you talk to, it’s either a historic achievement or a weak and ineffectual agreement full of loopholes. Ian Sample speaks to the Guardian environment editor Damian Carrington, who explains what the deal on fossil fuels will mean in practice, how small island states have responded, and whether it will help us stay within the crucial limit of 1.5C of global heating. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode