COP28: Emmanuel Macron calls on G7 countries to "set an example" on coal issue
The heads of state were speaking at the COP 28 in Dubai on Friday. Emmanuel also spoke. Both France and the European Union are advocating for an exit from fossil fuels to limit global warming. This is a central question of this COP which is taking place in a petro-monarchy.
Emmanuel Macron during his speech at the COP28 plenary session on December 1, 2023 in Dubai. AP - Peter Dejong
By: RFI Follow
Advertising
Read More
Emmanuel Macron's priority is to get rich countries out of fossil fuels. He advocates for an end to coal by 2030, oil by 2045 and gas by 2050, reports our special correspondent in Dubai, Jeanne Richard. But emerging countries also need to make an effort. "Indeed, if there was an absolute priority, it would be for emerging countries to get out of coal. We must allow emerging countries to catch up economically, it's an element of justice, but this catch-up must not be done on the basis of carbon-based energies," the French president said.
Coal is currently the most CO2-emitting energy source. "The G7 countries must set an example and commit to ending coal at home before the others, i.e. before 2023," Macron said. Secondly, the richest countries must also help the emerging countries to get out of coal."
Read alsoCOP28: in Dubai, Emmanuel Macron on a double diplomatic front
But the aid programmes signed with South Africa, Vietnam and Indonesia and put forward by the French president are not bearing fruit. There remains the role of the private sector in this transition. "The private sector has no disincentive to finance a coal-fired power plant over renewables or whatever, it's totally absurd and it's shocking to everybody." Emmanuel Macron is therefore calling for an end to subsidies to coal-fired power plants. A fine speech, but be careful that these declarations are followed by action, point out the NGOs.
An agreement on the maritime industry
The French president also welcomed "the tremendous agreement that was reached by the maritime industry of our countries a few moments ago and which will make it possible to reduce emissions very sharply by 2030". Five of the world's largest shipping companies as well as France, South Korea and Denmark, adopted a joint declaration on Friday to promote the adoption of "a robust regulatory framework" by 2027 promoting the ecological transition of the sector.
Read alsoCOP28: from the opening, a major step forward on loss and damage for developing countries
The signatories pledge to work towards "an international standard" to accurately measure the sector's emissions, the statement said. They also pledged to promote "an international greenhouse gas pricing mechanism," the equivalent of a carbon tax, "to incentivize energy efficiency and reduce the price gap between fossil fuels and sustainable marine fuels."
International Taxation Project
With Kenya, France is also behind the launch at COP28 of a coalition that should bring together countries wishing to create within two years an international tax capable of raising the billions of dollars that developing countries need in the face of climate change. "Together with Barbados, Kenya and several others, we are officially launching an 'international task force' at this COP that will have to report its conclusions to the G20 in Rio to implement international taxation at COP 30" in Brazil in 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron said in Dubai.
«
This is a necessity if we want a real result, because we need to raise more money to finance our fight against inequality and for the climate ", he added, during his speech at COP28.
(
And with AFP)
NewsletterGet all the latest international news straight to your inbox
Subscribe now
Keep up to date with all the latest international news by downloading the RFI app
Share:
Most read
1
29/11/2023
Burkina Faso: What the images of the attack on the Djibo base say
2
30/11/2023
Three months after the coup d'état in Gabon, what has become of ousted President Ali Bongo?
3
29/11/2023