Nearly 200 countries agree to transition away from fossil fuels – summary

What we know

• Representatives from nearly 200 countries agreed at the COP28 climate summit on December 13 to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels to avert the worst of climate change.
• This deal is historic, the first of its kind signaling the eventual end of the oil age.
• The deal was struck in Dubai after two weeks of hard-fought negotiations.
• The deal would help the world limit global warming to the targeted 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit).
• Scientists have said that this is the last best hope to stave off climate catastrophe.
• Now that the deal is struck, countries are responsible for delivering through national policies and investments.

What they said

Norway Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide said, "It is the first time that the world unites around such a clear text on the need to transition away from fossil fuels." Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore welcomed the deal, but said: "The influence of petrostates is still evident in the half measures and loopholes included in the final agreement." Rachel Cleetus, policy director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, praised the climate deal, but noted, "The finance and equity provisions... are seriously insufficient and must be improved in the time ahead in order to ensure low- and middle-income countries can transition to clean energy and close the energy poverty gap."