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The fossil fuel phrases that countries will fight over at the upcoming COP28

Getting the world off greenhouse gas-spewing fossil fuels is a key part of global climate negotiations. But whether those fossil fuels are "unabated," and where we need to phase them "down" or phase them "out," are expected to cause fierce debate at the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference.

IISD in the news November 28, 2023

The 'Rarely Unified' Blocs Behind Climate Talks

The UN's climate negotiations involve a diplomatic tug of war between eclectic blocs of countries that group together to push common interests even though geopolitics might divide them. The COP28, or Conference of Parties, begins on Thursday in Dubai and is meant to last 13 days, but climate negotiations often run past their official deadlines as countries haggle until the last minute to find a consensus.

IISD in the news November 28, 2023

Putting Promises Into Practice: Clean Energy Transition Partnership signatories' progress on implementing clean energy commitments

This report reviews Clean Energy Transition Partnership signatories' progress on their pledge to shift international public finance into clean energy.

Report November 28, 2023

How Can We Transform Food Systems to Meet Food, Nutrition, and Climate Needs?

This article outlines three key policy measures that can help governments meet the food and nutritional needs of their people in the context of a changing climate.

Policy Analysis November 27, 2023

How the UNFCCC Can Tackle Fossil Fuel Subsidies at COP 28 and Beyond

COP28 could be a turning point for action on fossil fuel subsidies—if there is political will. How have fossil fuel subsidies featured in UNFCCC negotiations so far? And how can action on fossil fuel subsidies be taken at COP 28 and beyond?

Insight November 27, 2023

Progress on Vertical Integration in National Adaptation Plan Processes

This synthesis report presents an analysis of how countries are advancing vertical integration in national adaptation plan processes.

Report November 27, 2023

Four Key Elements to Ensure a Successful Global Goal on Adaptation

As the final rounds of negotiations on the GGA kick off at COP 28, a looming question remains: Will it be comprehensive enough for countries to implement in the years ahead?

Insight November 24, 2023

Beyond Gas: The future of Colombia’s energy transition

This webinar questions some of the narratives favouring gas extraction in Colombia and discusses various arguments around the need to phase-out fossil fuels, including gas.

Webinar November 23, 2023

Governments worldwide spent $1.7 trillion of public money on fossil fuels, a new report finds

In 2022, governments globally issued more than $1.7 trillion in public money to support fossil fuels, through subsidies, investments by state-owned enterprises, and lending from public financial institutions, a new analysis found. Simultaneously, financial support for renewable energy generation, grid integration of clean energy and battery storage increased, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development. But it remains insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C, it added.

IISD in the news November 23, 2023

Global fossil fuel subsidies on the rise despite calls for phase-out

World governments agreed at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow two years ago to phase out "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies to help fight global warming. Since then, however, global fossil fuel subsidies have risen $2 trillion to $7 trillion, according to the International Monetary Fund, as governments around the world moved to protect consumers from rising energy prices. At this year's climate gathering in Dubai, EU countries will be looking to harden the COP26 deal to phase out the subsidies by pushing for a deadline of 2030 to get it done, but it is unclear how much support the proposal will gain.