Climate talks include discussions about phasing out fossil fuels; coal supporters say that's dangerous

John Kerry, Department of State photo

A new draft published Monday of the core agreement at the COP28 climate talks removed a call to phase out fossil fuels, according to a CNN report. The changes come after significant discussions between nations about how to address climate changes and the use of fossil fuels. 

Representatives from more than 100 nations had endorsed a call to phase out fossil fuels. John Kerry, President Joe Biden’s special envoy for climate change, said last week that “the United States supported a phaseout of fossil fuels, his clearest statement yet on America’s position on one of the most intractable issues under debate at the United Nations climate talks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates,” according to a report by Lisa Friedman of the New York Times.

Friedman wrote: “Mr. Kerry said that 'largely' ending the burning of coal, gas and oil was required to limit average global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, which many scientists say is necessary to prevent the most catastrophic effects of climate change.”

Tucker Davis, KCA photo

Kerry’s statements drew criticism from coal supporters. “Coal remains the most consistent, reliable energy source available across the globe, and yet politicians and climate activists continue to try to do away with it, pushing us to the brink of a power crisis that is entirely avoidable,” said Tucker Davis, president of the Kentucky Coal Association. “Proposals to end coal use are both dangerous and ignorant.”

“A rapid transition away from coal, with no viable alternative, is nonsense,” Davis said.

According to the Times report, Kerry did not indicate a timeline for ending the use of fossil fuels. But, “Given the heavy investment in wind, solar and other renewable energy by the United States and other countries, as well as the private sector, Mr. Kerry said it was inevitable that the global economy would move away from fossil fuels.”