The overtime and overdue

Editor's note: On December 13, COP28 ended with a historical agreement. Countries agreed to begin the transition away from fossil fuels. The reality is that developing countries need to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels to mitigate climate change, but it is also a reality that they need economic growth and assurances of that growth which is still by large dependent on fossil fuels. How could we ensure a "just, orderly, and equitable" transition? Take a look at this episode of Reality Check.

On December 13, COP28 ended in overtime. Nearly 200 countries agreed to begin transitioning away from fossil fuels. The stronger demand, the call to "phase out" fossil fuels, was dropped. Some may find this a bit disappointing, but this is a major step forward in the global fight against climate change. As many media have pointed out, this agreement is the first of its kind.

But the important thing is that, as it stated clearly, the transition needs to be in a "just, orderly and equitable manner." Equitable manner. Which means, perhaps it's time to consider some of the payments that are overdue. 

Now, "common but differentiated responsibilities" is an idea shared by the international community in the climate campaign. Fossil-fuel producers and consumers would have to make cuts to help the planet. That’s a reality. And that's their responsibility.

But, many developing countries believe the developed world needs to bear a greater portion of the burden. According to many analyses, and really common sense, developed countries became developed at the expense of the climate. Between 1850 and 2011, the developed countries were responsible for 79 percent of the carbon emissions. By 2021, the United States alone accounted for 20 percent. U.S., Canada, Japan and those in Western Europe account for 12 percent of the global population. But in per capita terms,  they are responsible for 50 percent of the greenhouse gases.

Yet, their actions, real actions, have been few.

Jeffrey Sachs, professor at Columbia University, said in an interview that "in the United States, the oil, coal, and gas lobby have a big influence in both the Republican and the Democratic parties. And this means that we don't have real clarity of our public policies."

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne said that "it is a glaring testament to a world where profits are prioritized over people and planet. It is a world where oil and gas conglomerates, shielded by the power of wealthy nations, continue to reap astronomical profits while the survival of nations like ours hangs in the balance."

In 2009, developed countries promised to mobilize $100 billion per year for developing countries by 2020. The money would be used to support them in reducing emission and adapting to climate change. By 2020, the amount mobilized in the year was $83.3 billion. Oxfam's analysis shows that the real value of the spending was at most $24.5 billion.

Promise broken. And it was hurtful.

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad, said at COP28 that "it is the responsibility of the developed world who must pay because they are the ones who use all the fossil fuels." "we cannot anymore accept the talk and commitment without the real action that is following," she emphasized.

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Chair of the Elders, believes that it is a matter of trust and the promise must be fulfilled.

Transitioning away from fossil fuels is a beautiful idea. But no one should or can deny the right of development for the developing countries. That's another reality. They need growth and assurance of that growth. Assurances were provided before in various forms, few were carried out. This is a crisis in the climate campaign, a crisis for humanity and a crisis of confidence. As the world looks to take steps to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, it’s critical for every country to remember that development is a right for everybody. And a "just, orderly and equitable manner" has to be just, orderly and equitable.

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