Mary Robinson Advocates Fair and Swift Fossil Fuel Phase-Out at COP28
Former Irish President Mary Robinson, chair of The Elders, emphasizes the importance of a just transition away from fossil fuels at COP28 in Dubai.
Robinson asserts that any commitment to phase out coal, oil, and gas, potentially decided at COP28, must prioritize fairness for workers and their communities.
Robinson calls for an “unconditional” and “rapid” phase-out aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius warming goal.
While acknowledging the necessity of transitioning from high-carbon fuels, she stresses the need for a “just transition” that supports affected communities, preventing them from being left behind.
COP28 has initiated discussions on addressing the social and economic disruptions linked to moving away from fossil fuels, focusing on a program that is still in its early stages.
Global efforts to support this transition include “Just Energy Transition Partnerships,” where developed nations offer financial assistance to emerging economies like South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal.
Despite these initiatives, uncertainties remain about how the assistance will effectively mitigate negative impacts, such as job losses.
Robinson highlights the financial requirements for reskilling, transitioning industries, and ensuring clean energy accessibility. She expresses concerns about insufficient emphasis on finance, particularly for developing nations with limited access to electricity and clean cooking options.
While COP28 gains momentum toward tripling renewable energy by 2030, challenges persist in ensuring adequate renewable capacity, especially in poorer countries. Robinson notes the need for targeted investments to replace polluting coal power and serve growing urban areas.
On adaptation, Robinson criticizes COP28 for its slow progress in helping vulnerable communities adapt to climate change. Disagreements over finance commitments hinder the development of a framework for a global adaptation goal.
Robinson calls for increased efforts to provide climate finance for local communities, Indigenous groups, and young people with entrepreneurial ideas.
Overall, she emphasizes that COP28 must deliver a comprehensive climate action package, encompassing a rapid fossil fuel phase-out, an adaptation playbook, and finance for a low-carbon, climate-resilient transition.
The title encapsulates Robinson’s call for a “Fair and Swift Fossil Fuel Phase-Out,” aligning with the article’s focus on a just transition and the challenges of ensuring fairness, financial support, and adaptation measures at COP2
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Context News
