COP28 president warns ‘failure is not an option’

President of COP28 Sultan Al Jaber on Saturday urged countries to temper their expectations for the climate change agreement, asserting that “failure is not an option.”

Al Jaber called on participating nations to intensify efforts, demonstrate flexibility, and embrace compromises in order to achieve a consensus, emphasising the need for dialogue on contentious aspects of the agreement, including the future of fossil fuels.

Notably, this is the first time that the discussions include the future course of fossil fuels.

He also added, “everyone needs to be flexible. We need to find consensus and common ground on fossil fuels, including coal.”

“This is the first climate conference presidency that has called on all parties to propose common ground and consensus on fossil fuels. It is time for all parties to engage constructively and propose a formula to me,” Al Jaber continued.

A new draft of the agreement is set to be released on Monday morning, with the expectation that all parties will reach a consensus by the end of the conference scheduled for Tuesday.