Campaigners call for fossil fuel deadline, more climate aid

Environmentalists encouraged climate envoys from dozens of nations meeting Tuesday in Berlin to discuss a worldwide fossil fuel phaseout timeline and methods to help poor countries affected by global warming.

The Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin draws 40 nations, including the US, China, India, and Brazil. In preparation for COP28, the two-day meeting is crucial.

Campaign groups are concerned that the U.S., COP28 host UAE, and EU support carbon capture to allow oil and gas extraction to continue or expand. Scientists warn solutions to remove planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere aren’t proved at scale and could cost more than solar and wind power.

“They are trying their best to prolong the use of fossil fuels, especially by focusing on (…) carbon capture and storage, which is deeply worrying for us,” said Climate Action Network International head of global political strategy Harjeet Singh.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an end to fossil fuel use, which is responsible for most global warming since the industrial era, warning that otherwise the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) may be missed. Only coal has been warned, with governments agreeing two years ago to “phase down” its use.

Dan Jørgensen, Denmark’s climate minister, stated that a global vow to stop using oil and gas “will be a part of the conversation” before and during the Dubai meeting.

Singh said the coal, oil, and gas industries must find solutions for millions of workers and alternate energy sources for those who still use inexpensive fossil fuels to be wound down.

“We need an equitable fossil fuel phaseout,” he stated.

Diplomats will also debate increasing financial aid for climate-vulnerable poor nations. At last year’s climate talks in Egypt, a $100 billion-a-year pledge was made, but a separate fund is still being established.

John Kerry, U.S. climate envoy, estimates it will cost trillions to help all nations transition to a green economy. Experts suggest the business sector must provide big sums in addition to aid. Other ideas include air and marine travel carbon charges.

Alex Scott, head of climate diplomacy at E3G, said, “These big questions about where the finance is going to come from for countries to deliver any of their potential climate policies or energy transition policies need to reach some answers before (COP28).