popular articles

The Thorny Question of Fossil Energy “Unabated” at COP28

COP28 focuses on a hot topic: unabated fossil fuels.
Fossiles-Unabated

Please share:

The thorny issue of “unabated” fossil fuels will be addressed at COP28, scheduled to take place from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai. But what does this term really mean, and what consequences would its adoption have for the future of our planet? This issue is at the heart of current debates, and could have a considerable impact on the fight against climate change.

An Ambiguous Term at the Crossroads

Over the past year, the term “unabated” has become a major concern. In the spring, the G7 called for an accelerated phase-out of fossil fuels, the first official assessment of the Paris Agreement underlined the need to move away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible, and the 27 EU countries are currently trying to define a common position for COP28. But what exactly does “unabated” mean? Is this a real opportunity to end the use of fossil fuels, or just a loophole for the oil and gas industry?

The Quest for Clear Definition

It is essential to note that there is no internationally recognized definition of what is meant by the terms “unabated” or “abated”. The footnote to the latest IPCC report tells us that “unabated” fossil fuels are those produced and consumed “without measures to substantially reduce” the amount of greenhouse gases emitted throughout the cycle. This can include capturing at least 90% of CO2 emissions from power plants, or 50-80% of methane from hydrocarbon production and transport. However, this definition leaves some questions unanswered, such as the need to exclude carbon offsetting and the permanence of CO2 capture.

The Carbon Capture and Storage Bras de Fer

The debate surrounding the term “unabated” focuses mainly on carbon capture and storage, promoted by the oil industry and certain oil-producing countries. These technologies, although deemed necessary by a small proportion of the IPCC, are criticized for potentially being used as a justification for expanding fossil fuel production rather than promoting alternatives.

Towards a Crucial Decision at COP28

The quantity of emissions that must be retained to consider combustion as sufficiently “abated” remains unclear. This leaves room for multiple interpretations. Safeguards such as capture rates in excess of 95%, permanent storage, exclusion of carbon offsets, and coverage of the entire life cycle of fossil fuels are suggested by several experts.

However, it is important to note that few power plants are currently using these technologies. According to the International Energy Agency, the latter are considered costly and have yet to be proven on a large scale.

Divergent positions at COP28

The position of COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber diverges from that of some countries calling for a total phase-out of fossil fuels. While some island countries, threatened by rising sea levels, are calling for a “non-proliferation treaty” on fossil fuels, others, including France, Austria, Spain and the Netherlands, are calling for a “gradual elimination of fossil fuels”, whether “unabated” or not. This divergence of views should be at the heart of negotiations at COP28.

In short, the term “unabated” has become a major issue in the fight against climate change. The question of what it encompasses and what it excludes remains unclear, and future decisions at COP28 will be largely “open to interpretation”. Clear standards are essential to avoid ambiguity and ensure a successful energy transition.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

With a 1.5°C increase over the historical average, China experiences its hottest autumn since 1961. This phenomenon illustrates the growing impacts of climate change on the country and raises global concerns.
At COP29 in Baku, NGOs criticized the G20 for lacking leadership on energy transition. Despite progress on climate finance, the absence of commitments on fossil fuels provoked sharp disappointment.
At COP29 in Baku, NGOs criticized the G20 for lacking leadership on energy transition. Despite progress on climate finance, the absence of commitments on fossil fuels provoked sharp disappointment.
A Carbon Tracker report warns about the shortcomings in oil and gas companies' commitments to curb methane leaks, despite their critical climate impact.
A Carbon Tracker report warns about the shortcomings in oil and gas companies' commitments to curb methane leaks, despite their critical climate impact.
Despite the rise of renewable energy, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels continue to grow, reaching 37.4 billion metric tons in 2024. The long-awaited peak remains uncertain, raising critical questions at COP29.
Despite the rise of renewable energy, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels continue to grow, reaching 37.4 billion metric tons in 2024. The long-awaited peak remains uncertain, raising critical questions at COP29.
At COP29, the European Union unveiled an international initiative aimed at limiting methane emissions linked to fossil fuels. This strategic effort relies on global cooperation and strengthened regulations.
CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will reach a record 37.4 billion tons in 2024, according to the Global Carbon Budget report. Despite progress in energy transition, fossil fuel demand persists.
CO2 emissions from fossil fuels will reach a record 37.4 billion tons in 2024, according to the Global Carbon Budget report. Despite progress in energy transition, fossil fuel demand persists.
Facing the threat of surpassing the 1.5 °C warming threshold, COP29 calls for an ambitious energy transformation. IRENA emphasizes the need to triple renewable energy capacities by 2030 to keep the energy transition on track.
Facing the threat of surpassing the 1.5 °C warming threshold, COP29 calls for an ambitious energy transformation. IRENA emphasizes the need to triple renewable energy capacities by 2030 to keep the energy transition on track.
As COP29 approaches, several indicators suggest progress in the fight against climate change. From reducing warming projections to stabilizing fossil emissions and renewable energy growth, the outlook is less bleak.
As COP29 approaches, several indicators suggest progress in the fight against climate change. From reducing warming projections to stabilizing fossil emissions and renewable energy growth, the outlook is less bleak.
The European Union recorded a historic reduction of 8.3% in its greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. This decrease marks progress towards climate goals, yet challenges remain to achieve carbon neutrality.
Beyond CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases actively contribute to global warming, driving specific measures to limit their emissions. These lesser-known gases are at the core of researchers' and policymakers' concerns.
Beyond CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases actively contribute to global warming, driving specific measures to limit their emissions. These lesser-known gases are at the core of researchers' and policymakers' concerns.
One year after storm Ciaran, Enedis strengthens the electrical network in Brittany. By burying 1,100 kilometers of lines and modernizing cables, the company aims to reduce outages related to weather disruptions.
One year after storm Ciaran, Enedis strengthens the electrical network in Brittany. By burying 1,100 kilometers of lines and modernizing cables, the company aims to reduce outages related to weather disruptions.
An NGO report warns of environmental risks associated with oil and gas concessions in the "Coral Triangle," one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, threatened by maritime traffic and oil spills.
An NGO report warns of environmental risks associated with oil and gas concessions in the "Coral Triangle," one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems, threatened by maritime traffic and oil spills.
GenZero warns that limiting global warming to 1.5°C is becoming difficult without massive investments in energy transition technologies in the Asia-Pacific region.
French emissions of atmospheric pollutants have significantly decreased between 2000 and 2023. However, France continues to face exceedances of air quality standards and occasional pollution episodes.
French emissions of atmospheric pollutants have significantly decreased between 2000 and 2023. However, France continues to face exceedances of air quality standards and occasional pollution episodes.
For several years, the notion of ecological debt has gained importance alongside public debt. This article explores its meaning, quantification, and the challenges related to its reduction, while examining the implications for future generations.
For several years, the notion of ecological debt has gained importance alongside public debt. This article explores its meaning, quantification, and the challenges related to its reduction, while examining the implications for future generations.
A tanker caught fire off Rostock, in the Baltic Sea, on Friday. Seven sailors were rescued, and the fire is now largely under control, according to German authorities.
A tanker caught fire off Rostock, in the Baltic Sea, on Friday. Seven sailors were rescued, and the fire is now largely under control, according to German authorities.
According to DNV, global energy-related CO2 emissions are peaking this year due to the decreasing costs of renewables. However, increased efforts are necessary to meet the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement.
Carbon dioxide is well-known, but other greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases also play a crucial role in climate warming. This article explores their impact and the measures taken to control them.
Carbon dioxide is well-known, but other greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases also play a crucial role in climate warming. This article explores their impact and the measures taken to control them.
Duke Energy Foundation is committing $1 million to support recovery efforts in southeastern U.S. states following Hurricane Helene, further reinforcing its previous contributions to disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
Duke Energy Foundation is committing $1 million to support recovery efforts in southeastern U.S. states following Hurricane Helene, further reinforcing its previous contributions to disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
Waste management in India remains a major environmental challenge, with only 20% of the 65 million tons generated each year being processed, despite local initiatives involving people with disabilities in recycling programs.
Waste management in India remains a major environmental challenge, with only 20% of the 65 million tons generated each year being processed, despite local initiatives involving people with disabilities in recycling programs.
Global methane emissions, which are rising steadily, require an immediate political and industrial response to stabilize the climate and control the associated economic costs.
Philippine authorities have recovered 96% of the fuel oil from a tanker sunk in Manila Bay. The successful operation prevented a major oil spill, with minimal economic impact.
Philippine authorities have recovered 96% of the fuel oil from a tanker sunk in Manila Bay. The successful operation prevented a major oil spill, with minimal economic impact.
Francine, now a tropical storm, is approaching the Gulf of Mexico and threatening vital energy infrastructure, including refineries and offshore platforms.
Francine, now a tropical storm, is approaching the Gulf of Mexico and threatening vital energy infrastructure, including refineries and offshore platforms.
The expansion of coal mines in China could compromise its climate targets and increase methane emissions, warns a study by Global Energy Monitor (GEM).
The expansion of coal mines in China could compromise its climate targets and increase methane emissions, warns a study by Global Energy Monitor (GEM).

Advertising