DUBAI — Nations reached a breakthrough climate agreement Wednesday, calling for a transition away from fossil fuels in an unprecedented deal that targets the greatest contributors to the planet’s warming.
The deal came swiftly — with no discussion or objection — in a packed room in Dubai following a night of debate, huddles and revisions to the text.
It is the first time a global climate deal has specifically called to curb the use of fossil fuels.
Countries agreed to transition from fossil fuels “in a just, orderly and equitable manner” while “accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.”
The talks were contentious, given the vastly different desires of oil-dependent nations like Saudi Arabia and low-lying islands that are imperiled by the continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions.
“We have worked very hard to secure a better future for our people and our planet,” COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber of the United Arab Emirates said.
