COP28 nations make historic agreement to phase out fossil fuels, but loopholes persist

The world reached a new climate deal at the COP28 summit in Dubai, making an unprecedented call to transition away from fossil fuels. However, the agreement's vague language and "cavernous" loopholes could allow some countries to take minimal action. While some countries hailed the deal as the end of the fossil fuel era, more ambitious nations and climate advocates believe it falls short of reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis. The agreement does not require a "phase-out" of oil, coal, and gas, but instead "calls on" countries to contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon pollution in ways they see fit. Concerns have been raised about the influence of oil interests on the talks and the inclusion of unproven technologies like carbon capture and storage.