COP28 considers end to fossil fuels in move opposed by OPEC

COP28 considers end to fossil fuels in move opposed by OPEC

DUBAI - OPEC is rallying its members and oil producing allies to veto a proposed deal to phase out fossil fuels at the COP28 climate summit, highlighting deep divisions over the future of oil and gas. At least 80 countries are demanding a COP28 deal that calls for an eventual end to fossil fuel use, as scientists urge ambitious action to avert the worst impacts of climate change. The latest draft of what could be a final COP28 agreement, which was released on Friday, included options to do so. "It seems that the undue and disproportionate pressure against fossil fuels may reach a tipping point with irreversible consequences," OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais wrote in a letter to members of the group, including COP28 host the UAE. In the letter, dated Dec. 6, he called on them to reject any language that targeted fossil fuels in a final summit deal. OPEC said in a reply to Reuters questions about the letter that it would continue to advocate reducing emissions, not choosing energy sources. "The world requires major investments in all energies, including hydrocarbons, all technologies, and an understanding of the energy needs of all peoples," OPEC's secretary general said