Simon Steele, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, stated on Wednesday that countries must agree on ambitious steps to combat global warming at the upcoming UN climate conference (COP28), instead of merely scoring points or following "lowest common denominator policies."
In a summit marked by tensions due to differing visions on the future of fossil fuels, Steele said in a press conference: "All governments need to give their negotiators clear instructions to move forward. We need the highest ambition, not just scoring points or lowest common denominator policies."
Steele's remarks come as the two-week conference nears its midpoint, a time when the initial wave of statements and opening pledges fades and focus shifts toward progress made in behind-the-scenes negotiations.
He added: "We have a draft text on the table. There are many options available now regarding the phasing out of fossil fuels. It is up to the parties to analyze that, but they need to reach a very clear statement indicating the definitive retreat from the fossil fuel era as we know it."
