IEMA reacts to COP28 agreement to transition away from fossil fuels

The final Global Stocktake agreement at COP28 includes an historic commitment by countries to transition away from fossil fuels.

It also refers to the necessity of skills development and training to tackle climate change, which IEMA, along with more than 40 organisations, has been campaigning for this year.

IEMA CEO, Sarah Mukherjee MBE, said: "The agreement struck at COP28 for a global transition away from fossil fuels demonstrates progress, albeit it falls short of the stronger commitment that is needed to phase them out altogether.

"Our priority concern has always been ensuring that there are the skills, jobs and education provision in place to deliver on the wider outcomes of COP28. We’re therefore delighted, after launching our campaign with more than 40 other organisations to get skills, training and education onto the cover text earlier this year, to see that the agreement refers to the necessity of skills development and training to tackle climate change.

"It is paramount that countries around the world now put in place plans for developing the green jobs and skills that are required to move the global economy onto a more sustainable footing, whilst recognising the need for there to be a just transition. IEMA will continue to campaign for this into the new year and beyond."