As we approach the 10th day of COP28 in Dubai, the anticipation revolves around the impending release of a pivotal agreement text that holds the potential to instigate a substantial transformation in the global economy. However, the realization of this transition hinges on the imperative need for a larger workforce equipped with green skills.
LinkedIn co-founder Allen Blue shed light on a recent report by the social media giant, utilizing data from a billion users, which identified a noteworthy shortage of sustainable skills posing a significant threat to progress. Drawing parallels with the tech sector, Blue underscored the urgency, emphasizing that we may not have the luxury of 15 years to address this shortfall.
The Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance (BOGA), an international coalition aimed at facilitating the managed phase-out of oil and gas production, voiced its perspective at COP28. France’s Minister for Energy Transition, Agnes Pannier-Runacher, emphasized COP28 as a critical juncture for parties to make ambitious commitments toward phasing out fossil fuels, safeguarding the 1.5°C target. The coalition issued a statement, backed by climate and environment ministers from various countries, urging a global phase-out of all fossil fuels by 2050.
BOGA outlined key milestones, advocating for a peak in fossil fuel production and consumption this decade, emissions peaking by 2025, and the expansion of renewable energy while ending subsidies for fossil fuels. The statement highlighted the need for an orderly, just transition to avoid sudden disruptions in uneconomic oil and gas production.
As the wait continues for the draft text from the COP28 presidency, encompassing discussions on major topics such as fossil fuels, loss and damage, and technical details like carbon markets, the process of reaching a unanimous adoption of the final text is anticipated to involve further discussions, negotiation, and careful consideration due to the requirement for consensus.
With COP28 scheduled to conclude on Tuesday at 11 am, UN Chief Antonio Guterres highlighted substantial gaps that need bridging, urging negotiators to pursue maximum ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and delivering climate justice. Guterres stressed the pivotal nature of the next two years, emphasizing the necessity for a clear understanding of actions leading up to COP30 in Brazil.
