Helena Spiritus, WWF Global Oil and Gas Lead, said: “The reported reaction from OPEC, and the presence of more than 2,400 fossil fuel-industry lobbyists at COP28, shows polluters are afraid of the strengthening calls for a clean energy transition. There is now a real possibility that COP28 could send the signal that the age of fossil fuels - coal, oil, and gas - is coming to an end. Countries should respond by building consensus around a final agreement that will see all fossil fuels phased out.

“Fossil fuels are not compatible with a liveable planet, and that must be reflected in the COP28 outcome. For a credible outcome, the Global Stocktake must give countries the guidance and tools needed. Countries should keep and strengthen language in the draft text calling for a phase out of all fossil fuels by mid-century, with developed countries achieving this far sooner.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For interviews contact: cop28-comms@wwfint.org

WWF and COP28
WWF’s COP28 expectations paper is available here, and all WWF’s COP information is here: www.panda.org/cop28.  

What’s Hot Newsletter: 
During COP28, WWF provides a daily “What’s Hot” newsletter with updates on the negotiations, news, announcements and press conferences. WWF has experts from a range of different countries who are available for interviews and briefings. Get in touch with us at cop28-comms@wwfint.org to subscribe to this newsletter. 

Video
At COP28, WWF channels US singer and climate activist Billie Eilish and writing collaborator and brother Finneas in a startling stop-motion film on the devastating impact of fossil fuels and the urgent need to phase them out. Watch here.