"COP28 President Acknowledges Inevitable Fossil Fuel Phasedown"

The incoming COP28 president, Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, who also runs the UAE's state oil giant, has stated that the phasedown of fossil fuels is inevitable, but the speed at which this happens depends on how quickly zero-carbon alternatives can be phased up while ensuring energy security, accessibility, and affordability. Climate activists have criticized al-Jaber's previous soft stance on fossil fuels, calling for the tackling of their emissions rather than cutting their use. The COP28 meeting in December will be a mid-way check for how ambitious international climate talks will take shape.