G20 nations fail to reach agreement on cutting fossil fuels

Fossil fuel use was another lightning rod topic as officials failed to sign on a deal to cut their ‘unabated’ use. According to a source close to the discussions, there were also quarrels over nuances in the language which would comprise a deal to cut emissions.

While nations haven’t been named specifically in this instance, we know from previous reports that Saudi Arabia, China, Russia, South Africa, and Indonesia are among those who oppose the idea of tripling renewable energy capacity this decade.

⛓️ Arrests at Parliament Square as Just Stop Oil supporters demand the UK Government immediately halt all new licences for fossil fuels.

🚔 As ordinary people head to the seat of power to demand a liveable future, they are being taken away in handcuffs. This is not what… pic.twitter.com/NsxnAFPgye

— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) July 19, 2023

On the use of nascent technology, Singh said in a post-meet press briefing that some delegates wanted to prioritise carbon capture instead of transitioning away from fossil fuel use. We know from the IPCC’s Synthesis Report, that failing to do both will leave us on a rapid path to over 1.5C warming before the mid-century.

A draft late on Friday (July 21) specifically noted ‘the importance of making efforts towards the phase down of unabated fossil fuels,’ but offered a get out with the stipulation ‘in line with different national circumstances,’ which will no doubt lead to flimsy excuses once more.

To add insult to injury, the forthcoming COP28 conference is due to be held in the United Arab Emirates with oil boss Sultan Al Jaber as its president.

Given the distinct lack of tangible ecological progress and continued bureaucratic reluctance, it’s safe to say that activists won’t be putting their placards down anytime soon.