COP28: Global Reactions Following the Agreement in Dubai

Officials from around the world have reacted after the adoption of a compromise agreement at COP28 in Dubai, which, for the first time, urges countries worldwide to progressively phase out fossil fuels, considered the primary culprits of climate change. The agreement has been welcomed by the Emirati presidency of the conference, the United States, the European Union, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Arab states, South Africa, and, to a lesser extent, Australia. The UN and Samoa, speaking on behalf of small island states, were more moderate. China called on developed countries to take the lead in the global energy transition, according to AFP. It is a "historic decision to accelerate climate action," said Sultan Al Jaber, the Emirati president of the UN Climate Change Conference, attended by approximately 200 countries. "The era of fossil fuels must end, and it must end justly and equitably," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after the announcement of the agreement. "I want to say that giving up fossil fuels is inevitable, whether they like it or not. Let's hope it doesn't come too late," he emphasized, addressing "those who opposed a clear reference" to this elimination notion in the final COP28 text. "Humanity cannot afford delays, indecision, or half-measures," Antonio Guterres insisted.

"I think everyone will be pleased that in a world shaken by the war in Ukraine and the Middle East and all the other challenges of a planet in turmoil, there is a reason to be optimistic, grateful, and congratulate ourselves together here," said U.S. climate envoy John Kerry.

"Developed countries have a historic and undeniable responsibility regarding climate change: they must take the lead in achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target" and "achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible," said Zhao Yingmin, China's Deputy Minister of Environment.

The "historic" agreement signed at COP28 "marks the beginning of the post-fossil era," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. "Humanity has endorsed the EU's goals for 2030: tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency," she added, applauding in a separate statement "a strong demonstration of the value of multilateralism in addressing our planet's greatest challenges."

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as "an important step" committing humanity to a transition without fossil fuels, while also urging to "accelerate" the fight against global warming. In a message posted on the social network X, President Macron also welcomed the "key role of the nuclear sector," a "first" defended by France, alongside the need to triple renewable energies. French Minister for the Ecological Transition Agnes Pannier-Runacher emphasized "a victory for multilateralism and climate diplomacy."

"The end or at least the abandonment of fossil fuels (...) is one of the best pieces of news we could have received from Dubai," said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The Netherlands considers the new agreement "an important moment." "For the first time, humanity is about to talk about giving up fossil fuels," said Dutch Climate Minister Rob Jetten. "More ambition is always preferable, but the 1.5-degree Celsius target remains in sight," he added.

"The Arab group expresses its gratitude for the extraordinary efforts made by the United Arab Emirates' presidency and its team," said Albara Tawfiq, representative of the Saudi delegation at COP28 and president of the Arab Group at the UN Climate Change Conference, praising the conference as a "great success." He cited achievements from the final text, such as the mention of carbon capture and storage technologies, promoted by oil-producing countries to continue hydrocarbon production.

"The result does not go as far as many of us were asking, starting with the most vulnerable countries. But the message sent is clear: all nations of the world recognize that our future lies in clean energy, and the era of fossil fuels will end," said Australian Climate Minister Chris Bowen.

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), particularly threatened by climate change, expressed some reservations and concerns after the adoption of the text, which they consider insufficient. "We have taken a step forward compared to the status quo, but what we really need is an exponential change," said Anne Rasmussen, representative of Samoa, which chairs AOSIS, applauded after this statement by European representatives and others.

"For the first time, we have a text that calls for moving away from fossil fuels to commit to a fair, orderly, and equitable energy transition," said South African Environment Minister Barbara Creecy, quoted in a government statement. "It is a goal for which our country, along with the rest of the African continent and other vulnerable nations, has fought for many years," added the South African Government. "The document also recognizes the importance of ensuring adequate public funding to enable the adaptation of developing countries. It is a big step forward," emphasized Barbara Creecy.

After the agreement was announced, Brazil urged developed countries to lead the energy transition and provide the necessary resources to developing countries.