Researcher and Stellenbosch University Ph.D. candidate, Monique Bennett, told the OFM Business Hour that methane gas reduction was a big talking point at the COP28 held in Dubai from 30 November until 12 December in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was evidenced by the big turnout of lobbyists from the meat and dairy industry at the summit.

Bennett said a commitment to reduce methane emissions by 10 million tonnes over the next five to seven years was reached at COP28. With a billion-dollar support package mobilised for this very target. She explained that methane causes about ¼ of the atmospheric warming, it's also a component of natural gas. So, things like flaring, gas leakages, and livestock contribute to methane emissions. Therefore, dealing with it can help slow global warming significantly.

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Reuters reported that “six of the world's largest dairy companies will soon begin disclosing their methane emissions as part of a new global alliance launched at the United Nations climate summit. Livestock is responsible for about 30% of global anthropogenic methane emissions, from sources like manure and cow burps, according to the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization. Advocacy groups have said that tackling livestock methane should be a major priority at this year's COP28 summit.”

 Another major talking point? Nuclear energy 

Bennett said there was a major commitment towards tripling the capacity of nuclear energy by 2050. The commitment was made by the United States, Britain, and 21 other countries which include Ghana and Mozambique. Whilst the safety of nuclear energy remains a concern for critics, its ability to help reduce greenhouse emissions is significant.

Additionally, it's a more viable and empowering option for African countries because nuclear energy technology can almost mirror coal power infrastructure – making nuclear power generation quite a centralised endeavor. Whereas the generation of hydro, wind, and solar power is decentralised explains the researcher. 

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COP28 draws to a close with a historic agreement

The summit has now drawn to a close with a historic deal that committed the world to a transition away from all fossil fuels for the first time. The agreement is being dubbed the UAE Consensus. 

ADOPTED: With an unprecedented reference to transitioning away from all fossil fuels, The UAE Consensus is delivering a paradigm shift that has the potential to redefine our economies.#COP28 #UniteActDeliver #UAEConsensus pic.twitter.com/wmdta57peF

— COP28 UAE (@COP28_UAE) December 13, 2023

After two weeks of negotiations at COP28, The UAE Consensus keeps our North Star of limiting global warming below 1.5°C within reach.#COP28 #UAEConsensus #UniteActDeliver pic.twitter.com/DATMUdxdHj

— COP28 UAE (@COP28_UAE) December 13, 2023

OFM Business Hour