COP28 - a Cop out of oil?
COP 28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, concluded on December 14, 2023, in Dubai. The conference was attended by representatives from almost every country in the world. The outcome of the conference was historic, as almost every country agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels” . However, the global stocktake (GST) outcome did not carry the controversial “phase out” language for fossil fuels, keeping in view the sensitivity of oil, gas, and coal producers and consumers.
Oil is an essential part of our lives, and it is intertwined with almost every aspect of our daily routine. It fuels our cars, heats our homes, and powers our factories. It is also used in the production of plastic goods, fertilisers, and even in the preparation of our food 3. However, the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, including oil, is the primary cause of global warming, which is making extreme weather events such as storms, droughts, and floods more frequent and intense. This is leading to loss of life, damage to property and infrastructure, wrecked livelihoods, disrupted ecosystems and reduced biodiversity, failed harvests and food scarcity, intensified competition for resources, and conflict and displacement, which are all associated with a range of human rights abuses .
The pledge to phase out oil is a significant step towards a sustainable future. There are many potential alternatives to oil, some of which have already been implemented on a large scale. These alternatives include solar power, wind power, nuclear power, ethanol, and hydrogen fuel cells . Solar power is one of the most promising alternatives to oil. It is clean and renewable, and it doesn’t produce any emissions that contribute to climate change. Wind energy is another promising alternative to oil. It is clean and renewable, and it doesn’t produce any emissions that contribute to climate change. Nuclear power is another alternative to oil. It is clean and produces no greenhouse gases, but it has its own set of challenges. Ethanol is a biofuel that can be produced from corn, sugarcane, and other crops. It is a renewable fuel that can be used in place of gasoline. Hydrogen fuel cells are another alternative to oil. They produce electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen, and they emit only water vapor .
In conclusion, the pledge to phase out oil is a significant step towards a sustainable future. The alternatives to oil are promising, and they offer a cleaner and more sustainable way of life. However, the transition away from oil will not be easy, and it will require a concerted effort from governments, businesses, and individuals. We must all work together to create a more sustainable future for ourselves and for future generations.
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