Over 60 Countries Support EU and US Pledge to Triple Renewables and Phase Out Coal
More than 60 countries have expressed their backing for a deal initiated by the European Union (EU), United States (US), and United Arab Emirates (UAE) that aims to triple renewable energy production over the next decade and transition away from coal. The draft pledge, which has been reviewed by Reuters, also calls for a doubling of the global annual rate of energy efficiency improvement to 4% until 2030. In addition, it states that the use of renewables must be accompanied by the reduction of unabated coal power, including the discontinuation of financing for new coal-fired power plants.
Ahead of the United Nations’ COP28 climate negotiations taking place from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, the EU, US, and UAE have been mobilizing support for this commitment and are urging for its inclusion in the final outcome of the world leaders’ meeting on December 2. Several major emerging economies, such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Vietnam, as well as developed countries like Australia, Japan, and Canada, have already announced their intention to join the pledge. Additionally, Peru, Chile, Zambia, and Barbados have expressed their support, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Negotiations with China and India to join the environmental pledge are reportedly at an advanced stage, although neither country has confirmed participation as of yet. Scientists emphasize the urgency of both significantly expanding clean energy production and swiftly reducing the use of CO2-emitting fossil fuels in the power sector to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
By receiving early support for the commitment to increase renewable energy and diminish reliance on coal, organizers hope to generate momentum and foster a positive atmosphere for the anticipated intense negotiations at the climate conference.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
