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The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP28, is set to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: the urgent need to bridge the climate ambition gap.
Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, emphasized the critical role of phasing out fossil fuels swiftly. \"We've got to go much, much faster,\" she stated, highlighting the challenges posed by hosting the conference in the UAE, a major oil-producing nation.
Clarkson envisions ambitious goals, including tripling renewable energy by 2030 and doubling energy efficiency. However, she pointed out the significant political hurdles that need to be overcome to achieve these targets. \"Countries really need to put the plans in place to deliver on that,\" she said.
One of the major barriers isn’t the cost of renewable energy—which, according to the International Energy Agency, solar is now the cheapest form of energy in history—but the logistical challenges of integrating renewables into existing grids. Lengthy permitting processes and regulatory hurdles can delay projects by years, slowing down progress.
Clarkson also called for a level playing field by reducing subsidies for fossil fuels, allowing renewable energy to compete fairly in the market. \"With the right political will, the trajectory of renewable energy is unstoppable,\" she added.
On a positive note, the warming relationship between China and the United States presents a significant opportunity for climate action. Both nations account for 40% of global emissions, making their collaboration crucial. Clarkson praised recent talks between the two countries, noting that successful cooperation led to the Paris Agreement in 2015 and could drive substantial progress at COP28.
As COP28 approaches, the world watches with hope that strong political will and international collaboration can break through existing barriers, accelerating the transition to a sustainable and renewable future.
COP28's Fossil Fuel Shift: Who Foots the Bill?
