Unwillingness to cut fossil fuels could see the COP28 talks end with a whimper. 

As the COP28 climate summit enters overtime with no resolution in sight, concerns mount that it may be on the brink of “complete failure”. 

Negotiators await a new draft deal after criticism of the previous version for its omission of a “phase-out” of fossil fuels.

Among the 100-strong group pushing for a strong commitment to reducing coal, oil, and gas usage are the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Chile, the European Union, Norway, and the United States. 

Former US vice-president Al Gore accused the summit's host, the United Arab Emirates, of prioritising its interests over global climate action.

“COP28 is now on the verge of complete failure,” Gore said. 

“The world desperately needs to phase out fossil fuels as quickly as possible, but this obsequious draft reads as if OPEC dictated it word for word.”

Oil-rich nations, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, have vehemently opposed calls for a phase-out of fossil fuels. 

Negotiations continued past midnight on the second day in Dubai, with the summit already running more than 14 hours over schedule.

The COP28 climate summit has faced challenges in finding common ground on critical issues like fossil fuel phase-out. 

While shops closed and halls emptied, no end to the summit appeared imminent. Services were extended, and participants were informed that their badges and visas remain valid for the extended duration of the summit.

Canada's Environment Minister, Steven Guilbeault, expressed optimism after a positive meeting with the COP28 presidency but acknowledged it might still take hours before a new text is finalised.

Despite the challenges, some nations continue to push for strong language phasing out fossil fuels in the final deal text. 

The failure to commit to such action has raised concerns among experts, who stress the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel usage to avoid catastrophic climate change.

The draft agreement's weaknesses regarding fossil fuels have prompted criticism and calls for stronger action, as the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.