COP28: Fossil fuel hot potato in Dubai climate conference

Protestors at the COP28 conference in Dubai, UAE. [Mactilda Mbenywe, Standard] After days of negotiations at the UN summit in Dubai, parties zeroed in on the main cause of what is heating the planet: fossil fuels. Participants reiterated the need to phase out the use of coal, oil and natural gas. Civil society groups, scientists and policymakers interrogated the first stocktake draft which didn't give too much of a hint of what will be agreed upon regarding phasing out fossil fuels. Moving from the use of fossil fuel to renewable energy, the talks saw 'just transition' become a buzzword across pavilions, board rooms of financial institutions, and even academia. The UN summit has directed significant focus on providing alternative jobs for carbon-intensive sectors, diversification of regions and compensation to companies for their loss of revenue. Just transition is commonly defined as a set of social and economic policies to ensure both the process and outcomes of transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy sources are fair and equitable for all. This particularly applies to frontline workers and communities who are dependent on jobs and industries in carbon-intensive sectors, as they may be most affected by the disruptions this transition causes. As the discussion unfolded, African representatives pushed for a just energy transition that addresses the historical neglect of the continent in renewable energy investments. Speaking at the conference, Koaile Monaheng, a Renewable Energy Expert at Climate Action Network, voiced her concerns, demanding a fair distribution of resources and a commitment to sustainable practices. Monaheng drew attention to the stark reality that Africa has received a mere two per cent of global investments in renewable energy over the past decade. "We are losing trust in our money, living with promises that have gone unfulfilled. We need strong commitments, not vague pledges. The time has come to call out an energy system that has caused this crisis," Monaheng said. She added: "It is crucial for us that leaders demonstrate real commitment because whatever decision we conclude in this call, we are stuck with it for five years. We need to look beyond today and consider how our decisions will affect future generations." She emphasised the need for rectifying this injustice, pointing out that Africa deserves to transition from an outdated energy system that has left millions without electricity. The mention of Africa being treated as a mere "gas station" resonated, highlighting the urgent need for a shift to sustainable alternatives. Expressing discontent with unfulfilled promises, Portia Adu Mensah, the National Coordinator of 350 Ghana Reducing Our Carbon, articulated the growing disillusionment within the African continent. "It's time to unlock Africa's potential by catalysing investments in renewable energy. We must move away from a development pathway covered in tents and embrace a sustainable future," Mensah said. The need for strong commitments and tangible actions was highlighted, asserting that mere pledges were insufficient. The call for a commitment to variables that would ensure a just transition and not mere lip service to appease global audiences was made clear. Amos Wemanya, Senior Adviser for Renewable Energy and Just Transitions at Powershift Africa, discussed the potential of renewable energy to unlock Africa's economic and social development. Emphasising the need to catalyse investments in renewable energy, Wemanya underscored the vast solar and wind energy resources present on the continent. The call was not just for increased access but also for steering Africa away from a development path shrouded in environmental threats. "There is a need to see the opportunities offered by investing in renewable energy as a cost-effective mechanism to improve energy access. We call for increased financing towards clean energy that improves affordability and contributes to vital socio-economic development goals," Wemanya said.

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