Why ‘implementation’ matters in the global fight against the climate crisis

Developing countries argue they don't lack ambition when it comes to phasing out fossil fuels - it's all about the means

Why do some developing countries appear to be resisting a fossil fuel phase-out? The answer is fundamentally about implementation - how countries struggling to eradicate poverty and provide basic services (including energy) for their people fund the transition away from fossil fuels.

The means of implementation" has become a sticking point at the talks, with developing countries united in demanding that developed countries honour their legally binding obligations under the Paris agreement. Developing countries that have contributed so little to the climate crisis but are suffering the worst impacts argue that a phase-out must be centred around equity, which means it must be fast, fair, funded and forever".