Dubai: As the deadlock over the language on phasing out fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) in the ‘outcome text’ of the UN climate conference (COP28) continued on the penultimate day, a few countries pushed for an idea of a ‘fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty’ giving a call for having an international mechanism on the lines of the ‘treaty on non-proliferation of nuclear weapons’ (NPT) that came into force over five decades ago.
Though there are not many takers of the idea that was born in 2015 from small Pacific islands, the call has gained momentum here on the sidelines of COP28 at a time when many countries will not opt for the phasing out of the fossil fuel route keeping in view their respective national interests.
“The language of the text is still being worked out to find a landing zone, based on equity and differentiation in terms of responsibilities and timelines,” said a developing country negotiator as differences remain in both the draft texts - one on the global stock take (GST) carrying phase out of fossil fuels options and the other on global goal on adaptation (GGA).
The draft text on GGA is being blocked by rich nations led by the US as they want a diluted language on finance provisions, seeking to spare themselves from their responsibility to contribute to the adaptation fund. European Union (EU) nations are, however, pitching for a strong language on phase out of fossil fuel issues. New texts on both these tracks, expected on late Thursday, may go for final plenary as cover text for adoption as an outcome of COP28 on its scheduled concluding day.