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NYT: U.S. Supports ‘Largely’ Phasing Out Fossil Fuels, John Kerry Says at UN Climate Summit – We have no choice! Kerry: ‘We’ve got to do what the science tells us to do’

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/06/climate/kerry-cop28-phaseout-fossil-fuels.html


There is growing pressure at COP28 to proclaim an end to coal, oil and gas. It’s the most contentious issue at the global climate talks.

By Lisa Friedman
Reporting from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at her 12th U.N. climate summit

Dec. 6, 2023
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John Kerry, President Biden’s special envoy for climate change, said on Wednesday 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.

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. The planet has already warmed by 1.2 degrees Celsius.

“We’ve got to do what the science tells us to do, and the science has been clear,” Mr. Kerry told reporters gathered at a news conference at the summit, known as COP28, which began on Nov. 30 and runs until Dec. 12.

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