Between climate idealism and realism

🗞️ Driving the news: The struggle against climate change is closely tied to living standards, with the richest 1% of the global population emitting more carbon than the poorest 66%
• The high standard of living in the West, which is energy and emissions-intensive, contrasts sharply with the developing world

🔭 The context: At the same time, the West is attempting to impose emissions cuts that hinder the development of other regions, presenting a dilemma in the energy transition
• Energy, which elevated the West from poverty, is crucial for elevating regions like the Indian subcontinent, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia

🌍 Why it matters for the planet:  The focus at COP28 on climate justice recognizes the need to support developing nations in their growth without repeating the high-emission development paths of wealthier nations
• This approach is key to ensuring a sustainable and equitable future, where all countries can progress while collectively mitigating the impacts of climate change

⏭️ What's next: COP28 seeks to address three key issues: finding a middle ground between climate idealists and realists, identifying and funding viable energy sources for decarbonizing economic growth, and determining the financial and ownership aspects of next-generation energy technologies

💬 One quote: "Banning fossil fuels or surrendering to them are both losing propositions. We need to introduce energy that is so much safer, better, cheaper, and cleaner that no one in their right mind would use anything else." (Wal van Lierop, Forbes contributor)

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