Amnesty International calls for an urgent transition away from fossil fuels

Non-governmental organization (NGO) Amnesty International (AI) this Friday called on governments participating in COP28 to take concrete steps, including an “urgent” end to the use of fossil fuels and guaranteeing the right to water.

“Many countries in the Middle East and North Africa are facing multiple crises, such as massive debt, destruction and damage caused by conflicts, and now worsening water shortages due to the climate crisis in a region where water is becoming increasingly scarce.” Statement by AI Regional Adviser for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Christina Beckerle.

The note, quoted by the Spanish news agency Efe, notes that “the response of governments in the region has been woefully inadequate to guarantee the right to water.”

In addition, AI recalls that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which host the global meeting on environment and climate, receive “huge revenues from their national fossil fuel companies.”

These companies, the NGO points out, are exacerbating the climate crisis with their enormous hydrocarbon production and even have plans to increase production.

“Governments at COP28, which is taking place in the Middle East and North Africa for the second year, must heed the call of activists and civil society groups by combining a complete, urgent and fair divestment from fossil fuels with rights-based climate finance.” , concluded Beckerle.

Language around fossil fuels, which does not call for reductions or phase-outs, has become one of the points of tension at the climate conference, which enters its second and final week this Friday, Efe said.

COP28 began on November 30 and runs until the 12th in Dubai, with the second week of the summit beginning this Friday and ending with at least two days of final negotiations. This Friday thematic program is dedicated to youth, children, education and skills.