During UN climate talks, nearly 120 nations pledged to triple the world’s renewable energy within seven years, emphasizing alternatives to fossil fuels. This commitment, supported by over half of all nations, aims to triple global renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.
Major oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran, did not join, and China is absent from the list. Additionally, oil and gas companies responsible for 40% of global production, including Saudi Aramco and UAE’s ADNOC, pledged to decarbonize operations by 2050 and curb methane emissions.
Critics argue that these pledges lack customer fuel pollution consideration and repackage non-binding commitments. The US Environmental Protection Agency announced tighter curbs on methane emissions, targeting the elimination of routine flaring and comprehensive monitoring. Methane, responsible for about one-third of greenhouse gas warming, will face stricter regulations.
In a call led by the US, over 20 nations advocated tripling nuclear energy capacity by 2050, asserting its role in achieving carbon neutrality. However, nuclear energy remains controversial due to safety risks and nuclear waste disposal concerns.
US Vice President Kamala Harris announced a $3 billion contribution to a fund aiding developing countries with energy transition and climate change effects. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar called for immediate execution of the $100 billion commitments for climate finance, ensuring no adverse impact on development finance or the debt burden of developing countries.
The prime minister emphasized developed countries’ responsibility to raise global mitigation ambition, assist developing countries, and achieve global resilience. At COP28, Pakistan presented its revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) with a 60% reduction in projected emissions by 2030 and introduced a comprehensive national adaptation plan and the Living Indus Initiative.
