Iraq and the United States are in discussions to establish a timetable for the gradual withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq, with talks initiated in January. However, less than 24 hours after the talks began, three US service members were killed in an attack in Jordan, which the United States attributed to Iran-backed militant groups in Syria and Iraq.
Chuck-E-Cheese is phasing out its iconic animatronic bands, sparking a movement among superfans to save the beloved characters, which hold historical significance dating back to the 80s. Fans fear that future generations will miss out on the classic Chuck-E-Cheese experience, as the company shifts its focus to other attractions. Despite efforts to rally support, the fate of the animatronic bands remains uncertain, with only one California location set to retain them.
Government ministers from nearly 200 countries have reached a deal at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, calling for a transition away from fossil fuels. The agreement includes goals to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency improvements, and phase down unabated coal power by 2030. However, it does not mandate an absolute phase-out of hydrocarbons. The previous draft text had faced criticism for its omission of language on ending the use of fossil fuels. The deal marks a significant step towards addressing climate change but falls short of the complete phase-out that some activists had called for.
The latest draft text of the COP28 deal published by the U.N.'s climate body does not directly mention a phase out of fossil fuels, which was a key demand by the European Union and vulnerable developing countries. The text calls for deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, tripling renewable energy capacity, phasing down unabated coal, accelerating efforts towards net zero emissions, reducing consumption and production of fossil fuels, and phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
The global climate summit in Dubai is grappling with the crucial issue of fossil fuels and whether countries will agree to a phase-out or phase-down. While a phase-out would mean completely stopping the burning of oil, gas, and coal, a phase-down would allow for continued use. The choice of words is significant as it could determine the world's ability to combat catastrophic climate change. The summit's final agreement is expected to address the role of fossil fuels and the need for carbon capture, but clarity and precise language are crucial to avoid ambiguity and benefit the fossil fuel industry.
Controversial comments by Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, the head of the UN climate summit COP28, have raised concerns about the effectiveness of any new fossil fuel agreement. Al-Jaber, who is also the chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, stated that there is no scientific evidence to support eliminating fossil fuels to limit global temperature increases. His remarks contradict the consensus among climate scientists and world leaders who advocate for a phase-out of fossil fuels. The debate over a "phase-out" or a "phase-down" of fossil fuels is a key point of contention at the summit, with experts emphasizing the need for drastic cuts in fossil fuel usage to meet climate targets.
The fight over the future of fossil fuels has taken center stage at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. Many participants believe the talks can only be considered a success if they result in a deal to "phase out" all fossil fuels. The language of the final agreement, expected by December 12, will be closely monitored, as a "phase out" commitment would require a shift away from fossil fuels until their use is eliminated. However, there is debate over whether the agreement should focus on "abated" fossil fuels or include "unabated" ones. Russia and the United Arab Emirates have expressed opposition to a phase-out, while Big Oil is pushing for a shift of focus towards reducing emissions. The COP27 conference last year saw support for a fossil fuel phase-out commitment, but it ultimately failed to gain enough support. The U.N. Secretary-General emphasized the need to phase out all fossil fuels to prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis.
Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods has urged the COP28 climate summit to focus on reducing emissions rather than phasing out fossil fuels. While many at the summit call for a collective commitment to phase out all fossil fuels, Woods argues that the true problem is emissions and that society should focus on eliminating them. There is ongoing debate about whether the agreement should center on "abated" or "unabated" fossil fuels, as well as whether to "phase out" or "phase down" their use. Woods emphasizes the need for a variety of solutions and reducing the carbon intensity of existing technologies. He defends Exxon Mobil's support for fossil fuels, stating that as long as there is demand, the company aims to be a responsible operator by producing oil more efficiently and with a lower environmental footprint.
