National: COP28 - Everything you need to know about the 'historical' agreement

The COP28 climate summit finalised in Dubai this week following a historic agreement between nations.

After 13 days of intense talks, a consensus was reached that there would be a collective transition away from fossil fuels in an effort to avert the worst effects of climate change.

Nearly 200 countries have agreed to the landmark deal that will commit to building a new renewable energy efficient future while tackling climate justice and critically changing the entire financial architecture of the world.

Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan has acknowledged that while the deal is not perfect, it was historic in the fact it was the first time in 30 years the real problem had been addressed.

Minister Ryan told RTÉs Morning Ireland:

"It’s in our common interest because climate change is hitting and impacting every single country, including here in Dubai.

"It’s a low-lying place, highly at risk because of the heat excesses that are coming, and rising sea levels would threaten this country just as much as it would threaten our cities at home.

"So that’s why we were able to get agreement."

Many countries, such as small island states which are severely threatened by rising sea levels, believe there are still too many loopholes in the agreement but expressed confidence that it will lead to stronger action in future.

Asked about countries that are still approving drilling licences and permits and how that is “transitioning away” from fossil fuels, Mr Ryan said: "It doesn’t, and we have to stop that.

"It is historic. You can argue about the transition away from or phasing out, they mean the same thing in my mind.

"You could argue one word or the other. Those wordings were sensitive for certain people, but the actual meaning and the intent is the same and it is based on science.

"No-one got exactly what they wanted. It’s not the perfect text and there are ways we would do it better and differently. But by getting this agreement, it gives us the opportunity to take the next steps we need to make."

Climate justice advocates were quick to criticise the new agreement however, saying the text fell short of what is actually needed, particularly on climate finance to help vulnerable countries adapt to worsening weather and extreme heat.

There was also some alleged confusion following the agreement was passed after many parties assumed there would be follow-up debate.

The Alliance of Small Island States, representing 29 countries including Samoa, said it had not been in the room when the deal was adopted.

Lead negotiator Anne Rasmussen from Samoa, said "the process had failed us" and the agreed text included a "litany of loopholes". While she agreed the deal had good elements she said "We have made an incremental advancement over business as usual when what we really needed is an exponential step change in our actions and support".