Negotiators grapple with final Cop28 draft deal


John Dennehy
  • English
  • Arabic

Live updates: Follow the latest news on Cop28

Climate negotiators from nearly 200 countries will today grapple with a global stocktake document that would lead to a gradual reduction in the use of fossil fuels over the next three decades.

The draft text, published on Monday evening, stops short of calling for a "phase out" of fossil fuels after more than a week of tense talks at Cop28

"We have a text and we need to agree on the text. The time for discussion is coming to an end," said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Cop President.

"And there is no time for hesitation. The time to decide is now."

European Union negotiators and campaigners were set to call for stronger wording on fossil fuels on Tuesday after criticising the text for being watered down.

We must still close many gaps. We don't have time to waste. We must deliver an outcome that respects the science and that keeps 1.5 within reach.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber,
Cop President

The document's backers stress that fossil fuel production and consumption will be reduced by 2050, in line with scientific advice and seeks to avoid contentious language that divides while still achieving a phase down.

The draft text doesn't call for a “phase out” of fossil fuels but instead proposes a series of eight options that countries "could" use to cut warming emissions.

The options included "reducing both consumption and production of fossil fuels, in a just, orderly and equitable manner so as to achieve net zero by, before, or around 2050".

Other actions included tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, scaling up carbon capture and “rapidly phasing down unabated coal”.

If this language survives then it would be the first time fossil fuels are explicitly mentioned in a UN climate summit text decision.

The latest draft came with just hours to go before the summit’s scheduled end at 11am on Tuesday but it is expected the talks will be go on longer as is common at these events and potentially into Wednesday.

"I saw people starting to come out of their comfort zones, and I saw them really engage with each other," Dr Al Jaber said, though he said there was much work to be done on Tuesday as the deadline loomed.

"That said, we must still close many gaps. We don't have time to waste. We must deliver an outcome that respects the science and that keeps 1.5 within reach."

The global stocktake is essentially an assessment of how the world is doing against the goals of the 2015 Paris deal that saw leaders agree to try to limit warming to 1.5ºC on pre-industrial levels. It is expected to be the main outcome from the summit.

Dr Al Jaber has called keeping the 1.5ºC warming goal the “north star” of Cop28.

The language around fossil fuels has proven to be the most divisive, contentious and potentially defining part of the Cop28 summit but this text tries to bridge those divisions.

More than 100 countries including the US and EU wanted to see language on phasing down fuels. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia have been historically resistant to such language.

  • Sara Omi is the first lawyer from the Embera people who live in Panamá. Photo: TINTA
    Sara Omi is the first lawyer from the Embera people who live in Panamá. Photo: TINTA
  • Sara Omi with her communit,y the indigenous Embera People who live in Panama. Photo: Coordination of Territorial Women Leaders of the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (CMLT -AMPB), Panama
    Sara Omi with her communit,y the indigenous Embera People who live in Panama. Photo: Coordination of Territorial Women Leaders of the Mesoamerican Alliance of Peoples and Forests (CMLT -AMPB), Panama
  • The Embera people live in Panama's forests in round-shaped homes on wooden stilts with thatched roofs. Photo: TINTA
    The Embera people live in Panama's forests in round-shaped homes on wooden stilts with thatched roofs. Photo: TINTA
  • Sturdy wagara leaves are used in the traditional thatched roofs and wooden homes. Photo: TINTA
    Sturdy wagara leaves are used in the traditional thatched roofs and wooden homes. Photo: TINTA
  • Protection of traditional ways of life is critical to their survival. Photo: TINTA
    Protection of traditional ways of life is critical to their survival. Photo: TINTA
  • Sara Omi in her traditional dress with designs and body paint from the jagua fruit used by her community to decorate themselves before they go hunting or for spiritual ceremonies. Photo: TINTA
    Sara Omi in her traditional dress with designs and body paint from the jagua fruit used by her community to decorate themselves before they go hunting or for spiritual ceremonies. Photo: TINTA
  • Women in traditional communties have fought to take on leadership positions to have a voice in village affairs. Photo: TINTA
    Women in traditional communties have fought to take on leadership positions to have a voice in village affairs. Photo: TINTA
  • Indigenous people say ancestral knowledge about preserving the forests, preventing erosion, protecting the soil that they have learnt can be shared to combat climate change. Photo: TINTA
    Indigenous people say ancestral knowledge about preserving the forests, preventing erosion, protecting the soil that they have learnt can be shared to combat climate change. Photo: TINTA
  • Rising temperatures are among the reasons for the deforestation of rainforests in Brazil. Photo: Cristiane Juliao
    Rising temperatures are among the reasons for the deforestation of rainforests in Brazil. Photo: Cristiane Juliao

Attendees heard powerful testimony over the past two weeks from countries on the frontlines lines of the climate crisis outlining first hand the devastating impacts they faced due to a warming world. The emissions from burning fossil fuels are by far the main driver of climate change. And many were not happy with the draft text currently on offer.

The European Union’s commissioner for climate action, Wopke Hoekstra, said the draft text was “disappointing”.

"Scientists are crystal clear on what is needed,” said Mr Hoekstra. “At the top of the list is the phase out of fossil fuels. This is never over until it’s over,” he said. "We’ll convey that message to the presidency."

A US State Department spokesperson said “the latest Cop28 draft deal text needs to be strengthened, including on the issue of fossil fuels”.

Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, Samoa's Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Lands, said the text presented a menu of options that states “could” take.

“Could is unacceptable,” said Mr Schuster, who is also chair of Alliance of Small Island States States. “We cannot sign on to a text that does not have strong commitments on phasing out fossil fuels.”

However, other climate experts welcomed the deal as a milestone for UN climate change summits.

“This could be a historic text, which recognises for the first time in the outcome of a United Nations climate change summit that the production and consumption of fossil fuels need to be cut and replaced by cleaner alternatives in order to achieve net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by mid-century,” said Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Institute for Climate Change at the London School of Economics.

“It is now vitally important that this text is strengthened, so that it states that countries should, rather than could, cut fossil fuel production and consumption.”

Earlier on Monday top UN figures spoke at the summit to try to galvanise countries to find agreement as the clock ticked down to the summit's culmination.

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, called for parties to reach agreement on the need to "phase out" fossil fuels, while Simon Stiell, UN climate change chief, said countries must “clear blockades in the Cop28 negotiations or risk destroying the process for everyone”.

The UN has warned if urgent action is not taken to curb emissions the world could be headed for warming of 3ºC meaning the lives and livelihoods of billions of people will be affected.

Any agreement at Cop28 is consensus based meaning the close the 200 parties present must agree.

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Director: Jamal Salem

Starring: Abdulla Zaid, Joma Ali, Neven Madi and Khadija Sleiman

Two stars

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Infobox

Western Region Asia Cup Qualifier, Al Amerat, Oman

The two finalists advance to the next stage of qualifying, in Malaysia in August

Results

UAE beat Iran by 10 wickets

Kuwait beat Saudi Arabia by eight wickets

Oman beat Bahrain by nine wickets

Qatar beat Maldives by 106 runs

Monday fixtures

UAE v Kuwait, Iran v Saudi Arabia, Oman v Qatar, Maldives v Bahrain

RESULT

Liverpool 4 Southampton 0
Jota (2', 32')
Thiago (37')
Van Dijk (52')

Man of the match: Diogo Jota (Liverpool)

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The bio

Who inspires you?

I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist

How do you relax?

Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.

What is favourite book?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times

What is your favourite Arabic film?

Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki

What is favourite English film?

Mamma Mia

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If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.  

 

List of alleged parties
  • May 15 2020: Boris Johnson is said to have attended a Downing Street pizza party
  • 27 Nov 2020: PM gives speech at leaving do for his staff
  • Dec 10 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson 
  • Dec 13 2020: Mr Johnson and his then-fiancee Carrie Symonds throw a flat party
  • Dec 14 2020: Shaun Bailey holds staff party at Conservative Party headquarters 
  • Dec 15 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
  • Dec 18 2020: Downing Street Christmas party 
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Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Results

STAGE

1 . Filippo Ganna (Ineos) - 0:13:56

2. Stefan Bissegger (Education-Nippo) - 0:00:14

3. Mikkel Bjerg (UAE Team Emirates) - 0:00:21

4. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) - 0:00:24

5. Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) - 0:00:30

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION

1. Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) - 4:00:05

2. Joao Almeida (QuickStep) - 0:00:05

3. Mattia Cattaneo (QuickStep) - 0:00:18

4. Chris Harper (Jumbo-Visma) - 0:00:33

5. Adam Yates (Ineos) - 0:00:39

Results

6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m; Winner: Ghaiyyath, William Buick (jockey), Charlie Appleby (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Cliffs Of Capri, Tadhg O’Shea, Jamie Osborne.

7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Down On Da Bayou, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.

8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Zakouski, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby.

8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: Waady, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.

A State of Passion

Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

Rating: 4/5

Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier

Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman

The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August

 

Group A

Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar

 

Group B

UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia

The Word for Woman is Wilderness
Abi Andrews, Serpent’s Tail

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
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Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
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  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

Company profile

Company: Rent Your Wardrobe 

Date started: May 2021 

Founder: Mamta Arora 

Based: Dubai 

Sector: Clothes rental subscription 

Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded 

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Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

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Sustainable Development Goals

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all

5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls

6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all

7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation

10. Reduce inequality  within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects

14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels

17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Results:

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Al Montaqem, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)

5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,200m | Winner: Daber W’Rsan, Connor Beasley, Jaci Wickham

6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m | Winner: Bainoona, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel

6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m | Winner: AF Makerah, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 | Winner: AF Motaghatres, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,600m | Winner: Tafakhor, Ronan Whelan, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

'Brazen'

Director: Monika Mitchell

Starring: Alyssa Milano, Sam Page, Colleen Wheeler

Rating: 3/5

Updated: December 12, 2023, 9:55 AM