Watch: Dr Sultan Al Jaber’s statement on historic global stocktake at COP28

Image credit: Getty Images

The COP28 in Dubai has delivered a historic moment for climate action announced the Dr Sultan Al Jaber.

He said the global stocktake document has been unanimously approved by 198 nations, marking a historic moment in the fight against climate change.

Dr Jaber says the deal offers a “comprehensive response” to climate change, representing a “robust action plan to keep 1.5C in reach”. He added, “We have language on fossil fuels in our final agreement for the first time ever,” he said to sustained applause.

Highlights of global stocktake document at COP28

1. A new deal has been agreed at the UN climate summit in Dubai after days of negotiations
2. The deal calls on all countries to move away from the use of fossil fuels – but not to phase them out. Countries will “contribute… to transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner”. This is the first time there has been a clear reference to the future of all fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) in a COP text. It doesn’t include any wording on the “phase out of fossil fuels”.
3. Proposes accelerating phase-down of unabated coal power
4. The text recognises the need for deep, rapid and sustained reductions if humanity is to limit temperature rises to 1.5 degrees C.
5. There is a recognition that global emissions will likely peak before 2025 – and that for developing nations this may be later.
6. On adaptation and finance, the language appears to have been weakened, with the text “reiterating” rather than “requesting” developed countries give support to vulnerable nations facing climate change.
7. The document promises to triple renewable energy sources and the requirement for new carbon cutting plans are significant.

Dr Jaber added, “Together we have confronted realities and we have set the world in the right direction.” He goes on to say this is a plan that’s “led by the science” and a “balanced plan” to tackle emissions and deliver on loss and damage caused by climate change.

ADOPTED: With an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels, The UAE Consensus is delivering a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies.#COP28 #UniteActDeliver pic.twitter.com/XImRxXnl4C

— COP28 UAE (@COP28_UAE) December 13, 2023

“Many said this could not be done,” Dr Sultan Al Jaber told delegates at Expo City Dubai to applause.