Dubai envisions a possible agreement against fossil fuels

In Dubai, the temperature hovers around a comfortable 30ºC this Thursday, a chill that locals find refreshingly cool for winter, while visitors may find it surprisingly hot. The city is abuzz with a unique energy, heightened by a week filled with events and debates.

As the climate summit crosses its midpoint, there’s a palpable sense of urgency with just one week remaining to craft a deal that could halt the progression of the climate crisis and shield those most at risk from its repercussions.

While it’s too soon to predict the outcome of the final agreement, the signs are pointing towards a potentially groundbreaking moment. Dubai stands on the cusp of endorsing a pivotal accord to combat the reliance on fossil fuels.

Outcome of final agreement

Insiders reveal that, defying expectations, the leadership of the United Arab Emirates is taking a pivotal role in steering the discussions at the summit. For the past week, envoys from nearly 200 nations have been racing against time to forge tangible commitments on mitigation (reducing emissions), adaptation (equipping cities, agriculture, and other human environments to withstand the climate crisis), and addressing loss and damage (exploring ways to assist those severely affected by climate disruptions).

The initial drafts and the renowned ‘Global stocktake’ indicate notable advancements in these domains. However, some critics describe the drafts as “overly concise and vague,” questioning their potential effectiveness.

The summit faces its final week of negotiations with many issues to resolve, but great hopes for the final agreement

Anticipation is high for the coming days as the summit enters its crucial phase. The schedule indicates that the intensive final negotiations should kick off this Friday, with the expectation that the Dubai agreement will be ratified unanimously by next Tuesday, the 12th. However, certainty remains elusive at this juncture.

Europe is advocating for a more robust stance against fossil fuels and a hastened shift towards renewable energy. On the other hand, nations like Saudi Arabia and India express concerns over the proposed rapid phasing out of coal, oil, and gas, fearing severe economic repercussions.

Concurrently, small island nations, imperiled by the encroaching sea levels, are demanding adherence to commitments that would address the climate crisis’s toll on the most climate-vulnerable regions.

City ​​of contradictions

The conversation on tackling the climate crisis is a hot topic at the ‘Expo city’ spanning nearly 500 hectares, home to pavilions from a global exhibition that now hosts the latest climate summit. However, outside this bubble, life in Dubai continues as usual, seemingly untouched by the summit’s urgency.

A local observes that the only noticeable changes since the summit began are increased crowds, heavier traffic, and the challenge of securing a restaurant reservation, with over 100,000 attendees descending upon the city.

In Dubai, sustainability appears to be more of a marketing term than a genuine commitment, often leveraged to justify premium prices, such as a costlier cup of coffee, rather than sparking meaningful political or social discourse.

Dubai’s transformation during the summit is palpable, with the influx of attendees causing a bustling city to become even more vibrant. The streets are busier, restaurants are bustling, and the city’s pulse quickens. Yet, Dubai itself presents a paradox, especially when it comes to climate issues.

In contrast to places like Barcelona, where the ethics of operating ice rinks during a drought are questioned, Dubai embraces the irony of skating on vast ice rinks amidst the desert. While Spain enforces energy-saving measures to control indoor temperatures, Dubai’s scorching heat is met with interiors so chilled that jackets become a necessity.

And as Europe grapples with whether to restore beaches affected by the climate crisis, Dubai boldly constructs opulent artificial islands, expanding its territory into the sea. These contrasts highlight the complex relationship between modern development and environmental considerations.

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