Negotiators, activists and officials ramp up the urgency as climate talks enter final days

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As climate negotiations at the United Nations enter their final days, there is a growing sense of urgency among negotiators, activists, and officials. The task at hand is to determine how the world will effectively limit planet-warming emissions and mitigate the most severe consequences of climate change. The pressure has intensified as new drafts of key summit outcomes are anticipated.

Simon Stiell, the executive secretary of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change, addressed journalists on Monday, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He referred to the pressing issue as “climate wolves” knocking at the world’s doors as negotiations reach their climax during the summit. Stiell stressed that there is no time to spare in this critical final stretch, and sleep has been in short supply for everyone involved. He pointed out that the scope of negotiation options has significantly narrowed, particularly concerning the reduction of planet-warming emissions and the necessary support mechanisms for this transition.

When questioned directly about the possibility of negotiators departing Dubai without an agreement, Stiell did not rule out this outcome. He cautioned against an attitude of “I win, you lose,” emphasizing that such an approach would lead to collective failure.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to return to the talks on Monday, reiterating the call for countries to commit to substantial reductions in fossil fuel usage and efforts to limit global warming. He warned that the world is on the brink of a climate catastrophe and stressed the pivotal role of this conference in charting a new course.

COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber echoed the urgency for an ambitious outcome aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit). He made it clear that failure, lack of progress, or any attempt to weaken ambition is not acceptable.

The Global Stocktake, which assesses the progress of countries in achieving their climate goals and strategies, remains a contentious issue. While many nations, including small island states, European countries, and Latin American nations, advocate for a complete phase-out of fossil fuels, others seek more lenient language that would allow continued use of oil, gas, and coal with some form of pollution capture. The critical aspect will be how the term “unabated” is defined in this context, as it will determine the feasibility and cost of such measures.

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More about Climate Negotiations

• United Nations Climate Change: The official website of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change provides detailed information about climate negotiations and related initiatives.
• Paris Agreement: Learn more about the Paris Agreement and its goals to combat climate change.
• COP28: Information about the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, where climate negotiations are taking place.
• Antonio Guterres on Twitter: Follow U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Twitter for updates on climate and environmental issues.
• Big Big News Climate Coverage: Explore climate and environmental coverage by Big Big News, supported by private foundations.
• E3G: Visit the official website of E3G, where Lisa Fischer, mentioned in the text, serves as program lead for climate-related issues.