In line with our support for sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, we are maintaining this page of links to articles on energy savings, climate change, innovative solutions, successful installations and major announcements.
Reactions to an agreement reached at the COP28 Climate Talks
From Al Gore:
The decision at #COP28 to finally recognize that the climate crisis is, at its heart, a fossil fuel crisis is an important milestone. But it is also the bare minimum we need and is long overdue. The influence of petrostates is still evident in the half measures and loopholes included in the final agreement… It is up to all of us to hold our leaders accountable to their promise to transition away from fossil fuels once and for all.
The decision at #COP28 to finally recognize that the climate crisis is, at its heart, a fossil fuel crisis is an important milestone. But it is also the bare minimum we need and is long overdue. The influence of petrostates is still evident in the half measures and loopholes…
— Al Gore (@algore) December 13, 2023
From CNN:
Takeaways from COP28: What does the climate deal say?
https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/13/climate/cop28-takeaways-climate-deal/index.html
Nearly 200 countries agreed to a new climate deal at the COP28 talks in Dubai on Wednesday, after two weeks of negotiations characterized by controversy and bitter divisions over the future of fossil fuels. The decision has been called historic, with some experts declaring that it signals the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era. Others say it’s undermined by a “litany of loopholes.”
From The Guardian:
Cop28 landmark deal agreed to ‘transition away’ from fossil fuels
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/dec/13/cop28-landmark-deal-agreed-to-transition-away-from-fossil-fuels
After two weeks of at times fractious negotiations in the United Arab Emirates, the agreement was quickly gaveled through by the Cop28 president, Sultan Al Jaber, on Wednesday morning. He received an ovation from delegates and a hug from the UN climate chief, Simon Stiell. Despite the urging of more than 130 countries and scientists and civil society groups, the agreement did not include an explicit commitment to phase out or even phase down fossil fuels. Instead, it reached a compromise that called on countries to contribute to global efforts to transition “away from fossil fuels…”
Climate: Why disinformation is so persistent
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/11/231130113049.htm
The consequences of climate change are more visible than ever, and the scientific community has confirmed that humans are responsible. Yet studies show that a third of the population still doubts or disputes these facts. The cause is disinformation spread by certain vested interests. To try and prevent this phenomenon, a team has developed and tested six psychological interventions on nearly 7,000 participants from twelve countries. The research highlights the extremely persuasive nature of disinformation and the need to strengthen our efforts to combat it.
COP28 reaches groundbreaking climate deal in Dubai, calling for 'transitioning away from fossil fuels'
https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/bakx-cop28-climate-deal-1.7056812
The agreement contains much stronger language on fossil fuels compared to a previous proposal. For the first time, the text calls for a "transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science."
Initial Reactions to a Draft of the Core Agreement from the COP28 Climate Talks
From Al Gore: https://twitter.com/algore/status/1734238192608411989
COP28 is now on the verge of complete failure. The world desperately needs to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, but this obsequious draft reads as if OPEC dictated it word for word. It is even worse than many had feared. It is "Of the Petrostates, By the Petrostates…
— Al Gore (@algore) December 11, 2023
“The world desperately needs to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, but this obsequious draft reads as if OPEC dictated it word for word… the final text must include clear language on phasing out fossil fuels.”
From CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/11/climate/cop-28-draft-agreement-fossil-fuel-monday/index.html
“a watering down of earlier versions and an apparent concession to oil-producing nations.”
From The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/live/2023/dec/11/cop28-live-time-to-be-ambitious-says-president-as-summit-enters-final-days
The overwhelming reaction has been negative to the new draft text… which only mentions action on fossil fuels as an option rather than a requirement, and as a “reduction” rather than a “phase-out.”
From Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/new-cop28-draft-text-does-not-mention-phase-out-fossil-fuels-2023-12-11/
“The list did not refer directly to a phase out of fossil fuels, which was a key demand by the European Union and many developing countries that are especially vulnerable to climate change.”
Nations must go further than current Paris pledges or face global warming of 2.5-2.9°C
This entry presents a recent announcement from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
"Nairobi, 20 November 2023 – As global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions break records, the latest Emissions Gap Report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) finds that current pledges under the Paris Agreement put the world on track for a 2.5-2.9°C temperature rise above pre-industrial levels this century, pointing to the urgent need for increased climate action."
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