COP28: Reconciling great expectations with reality in a highly polarized world

As COP28 continues to run its course, the clash between those calling for a phase-out of fossil fuels and the ones lobbying to keep oil, gas, and coal firmly entrenched in the energy mix is rising, as all eyes turn to Dubai, the UAE, where the world leaders have gathered to chart a climate-friendly way forward in a bid to make decarbonization inroads in line with the Paris Agreement and set the stage for a greener energy future. Will it be possible to ensure that the final agreement at COP28 comes with a commitment to exit fossil fuels? Is this great feat feasible given the energy crisis that hit the world out of the blue last year and the security of supply concerns, which are still plaguing the globe?