This year’s COP28 talks began on the 30th of November, 2023, and will continue until the 12th of December 2023

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, gave a speech at the World Climate Summit after visiting Antarctica, where he was horrified to see how fast the ice is melting

What was UN Secretary General’s Cop28 agenda?

UN’s António Guterres urged hundreds of world leaders to phase out fossil fuels. His speech was in the presence of the presidents of the countries with the largest carbon prints: the USA and China. With Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in the audience, Gueterres said moving to renewable is inevitable. In his speech at the opening of COP28, he said:

“We are witnessing an acceleration that is absolutely devastating. The Antarctic is waking up, and the world must wake up.”

The call to transition from fossil fuels must be interrogated, as a shift to natural energy could have a negative impact on developing nations. Assertions against fossil fuels also need to be analysed as they come after most Western economies were established on resources such as coal.

How could cancelling fossil fuels cause harm?

The negative impacts of climate change are widespread, affecting all sectors globally. However, measures to address these effects should be carefully implemented, considering how they affect everyone.

Experts such as Rahul Tongia, a Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy, writes for Brookings that an abrupt ban on fossil fuels could be harmful to some countries. Many emerging economies are heavily reliant on this energy source, especially those lacking the resources to transition to natural energy as easily as developed nations.

Why do underdeveloped nations still use fossil fuels?

A fossil fuel ban could hinder development goals, as fossil fuels play a crucial role in building and repairing infrastructure in developing nations. Just as coal was king for an emerging England in the Industrial Revolution, according to the University of Wollongong Australia.

Furthermore, many third-world countries are disproportionately affected by climate change, and these impacts are often worsened by economic and social vulnerabilities. Banning fossil fuels without addressing these underlying vulnerabilities could increase their susceptibility to climate-related challenges.

Fossil fuel phase-out needs planning and strategy

Considering that many developing nations are unable to adapt to natural energy due to the high cost, financial support and aid are indispensable in the transition. Technology transfer and international cooperation are also required, as are debt relief and research and development.

The consideration of human life, regardless of nationality or race, is essential. Developing nations lack the resources to effectively deal with the effects of climate change, and as such, citizens are left to deal with impossible situations that threaten to make life unlivable. However, the price they would have to pay if the summit doesn’t consider capability and equity would be too steep.