Negotiators at the United Nations climate talks are considering a draft decision that highlights “alarm and concern” about global warming the planet already is experiencing.
The early version of the cover decision at the climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland, calls on the world to cut about half of its emissions of heat-trapping gases by 2030.
The draft decision released Wednesday calls on countries to “accelerate the phasing out of coal and subsidies for fossil fuels” but makes no explicit reference to ending the use of oil and gas.
The BBC reports that the seven-page draft includes provisions that would offer financial assistance to poorer countries, who have blamed wealthier nations for not contributing enough.
Whatever comes out of the meeting in Glasgow has to be unanimously approved by nearly 200 nations attending the negotiations.
Scientists have warned that to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, the world must band together to prevent temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius and cut global emissions by 45% by 2030. CNN reports that the 1.5-degree limit plays a major part in the draft agreement.
