An agreement at the COP28 climate summit appears to be on the rocks as nations clash over language used in a draft agreement to wind down the use of fossil fuels.
A draft proposal published from the talks in Dubai on Saturday had circulated suggesting the “phase out of fossil fuels in line with best available science”.
However, a copy released on Monday then replaced the phrase with: “Reduce consumption and production of fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner.”
This itself sparked outrage from some delegates, who refused to back a proposal sporting what they argued was weak language.
Such phrasing is said to be key, given small tweaks can alter countries’ obligations when it comes to addressing the issues of fossil fuels - which cause global warming when burned.
Each of the 198 countries at the United Nations summit must agree to any proposals for them to be carried forward, with a deal on ending use of fossil fuels never having been made before
“We can't accept the text,” EU negotiator and Irish environment minister Eamon Ryan commented, following the change in phrasing.
Representatives from the UK and US also slated the draft, with the former saying “there must be a phase out of unabated fossil fuels” and the latter adding language concerning these must be “substantially strengthened”.
“We will not sign our death certificate,” a representative of the Alliance of Small Island States argued meanwhile, saying they would not agree without "strong commitments on phasing out fossil fuels".
Saudi Arabia has reportedly been opposing strong phrasing regarding the phase out of fossil fuels at the conference, which is due to end on Tuesday.
COP28 president Sultan al-Jaber, who also heads up Abu Dhabi oil giant Adnoc, argued the latest agreement was “a huge step forward”, meanwhile.