Pledges made at the Cop28 climate talks

Last month, world leaders met in the United Arab Emirates for the Cop28 climate summit. They made an important agreement to move away from fossil fuels.

This is because fossil fuels are one of the biggest reasons for climate change, which is making the planet warmer and causing dangerous disasters around the world. Examples of fossil fuels include coal, petrol and natural gas.

But many nations said this agreement should have pushed to stop using fossil fuels faster.

Experts also said the deal needed a timeline with goals for countries to follow.

The Cop28 summit also started a “loss and damage” fund to help countries deal with the damaging impacts of disasters caused by climate change. The fund received about US$792 million (HK$6.19 billion) in pledges during the Cop28 talks.

But that amount is still US$100 billion a year less than what poorer countries have said they need to cover the damage from natural disasters and rising sea levels.

Also, 132 countries promised to triple the world’s ability to create renewable energy by 2030. These are ways to create power that will not run out, for example sunlight and wind.

Quiz time

1. Where did Cop28 take place?

2. What was the important agreement at Cop28?

3. Why are fossil fuels bad for the planet?

4. Which nations would receive the money from the “loss and damage” fund?

5. Are fossil fuels examples of renewable energy?

Sample answers

1. United Arab Emirates (or Dubai)

2. to start moving away from fossil fuels

3. They create climate change, which is making us experience more serious weather-relate incidents.

4. Developing countries that are facing the worst of climate change already

5. No