Time to say ‘the F-words’? A fossil fuel fight takes center stage at the COP28 climate summit
Sultan al-Jaber, president of the UNFCCC COP28 climate conference, speaks during day two of the summit on Dec. 2, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — A fight over the future of fossil fuels has been thrust into the global spotlight at the COP28 climate summit.
For nearly three decades, policymakers representing nearly 200 countries at the U.N.’s annual climate conference have failed to meaningfully address the chief driver of the climate crisis: the burning of coal, oil and gas.
Many gathering in Dubai for COP28 believe the talks can only be considered a success if they result in a deal to “phase out” all fossil fuels.
The language of the final agreement, expected by or around Dec. 12, will be closely monitored. A “phase out” commitment would likely require a shift away from fossil fuels until their use is eliminated, while a “phase down” could indicate a reduction in their use — but not an absolute end.
The outcome of COP28 must be that all the oil, gas and coal nations of the world see that now we are truly at the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era for the world economy.
Johan Rockstrom
Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
There’s also a debate about whether an agreement should center on “abated” fossil fuels, which are trapped and stocked with carbon capture and storage technologies. “Unabated” fossil fuels are largely understood to be produced and used without substantial reductions in the amount of emitted greenhouse gases.
Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and one of the world’s most influential Earth scientists, told CNBC that there is no doubt that COP28 “has to be the mitigation COP.”
“The outcome of COP28 must be that all the oil, gas and coal nations of the world see that now we are truly at the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era for the world economy. And that we are now starting to bend the curve, properly,” he said.
“It is only that that will count whether COP28 is a success,” he continued. “Everything else will follow. So, of course, it is good to make progress on loss and damage, Article 6, financing, adaptation, nature, agriculture and water, but it is all following from whether or not we make progress on the fossil fuel phase-out.”
A draft text published in the early hours of Friday appeared to raise the prospect that world leaders could sign off on a deal that would “phase out” all fossil fuels. Other scenarios, however, include the option to “phase down” hydrocarbons, to only focus on coal — or to make no mention of fossil fuels whatsoever.
In this aerial view water vapour and exhaust rise from the steel mill of Salzgitter AG, one Europe’s largest steel producers, on November 22, 2023 in Salzgitter, Germany.
Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images
Not everyone is on board with calls for a phase-out. Russia has said it would oppose this language being used in the final agreement, while COP28 host the United Arab Emirates has signaled its preference for a phase-down.
Big Oil, too, is pushing for a shift of focus away from calls to phase out fossil fuels. Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods told CNBC on Saturday that society should instead prioritize reducing emissions, which he described as the “true problem.”
‘This year is different’
In an unprecedented start to proceedings on Thursday, delegates at COP28 sealed the details of a landmark deal to help the world’s most vulnerable countries pay for the impacts of climate disasters.
The operationalization of the so-called loss and damage fund was hailed as a welcome breakthrough and helps to clear the way for policymakers to negotiate on other major issues.
“Now we don’t have an agenda fight [and] we don’t have a loss and damage fight, it opens up a space for us to have a big fossil fuel fight,” said Catherine Abreu, founder of the Destination Zero network of nonprofits working on climate issues. “[It is] important to say that more fossil fuels equal more loss and damage, so these two issues are actually quite intertwined.”
Abreu told CNBC that she previously wrote about the importance of finally “saying the F-words” at the U.N.’s annual climate conference, arguing that “just a few years ago talking about fossil fuels within the climate convention was invisible, basically.”
Notably, at last year’s COP27 conference in Egypt, more than 80 countries supported a fossil fuel phase-out commitment in the final agreement. The call ultimately failed to gain enough support, but it appeared to reflect growing momentum to recognize fossil fuels the largest contributor to climate change.
Abreu partly attributed the COP27 defeat to parties not being organized enough to win that particular battle.
“This year is different,” she said. “We’re actually seeing that parties are very organized on this front, coming into COP28. So, we have seen in almost every multilateral event that’s taken place in 2023 a huge conversation about the pace and scale of the energy transition.”
“Over the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be seeing parties negotiating this landing zone of how the energy transition package gets articulated in the final outcomes of COP28,” Abreu said.
‘A firehose of fossil fuels’
A flurry of COP28 announcements on Saturday sought to help decarbonize the energy sector, with nearly 120 governments pledging to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. Other initiatives launched over the weekend included sizable blocs committing to expand nuclear power and slash methane emissions.
For the U.N. chief, however, preventing the worst effects of the climate crisis hinges on stopping the burning of fossil fuels outright.
“We cannot save a burning planet with a firehose of fossil fuels,” U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said Friday, as he addressed world leaders in Dubai.
“The 1.5-degree limit is only possible if we ultimately stop burning all fossil fuels. Not reduce. Not abate. Phase-out — with a clear timeframe aligned with 1.5 degrees.”
The 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature threshold is widely recognized as crucial because so-called tipping points become more likely beyond this level. Tipping points are thresholds at which small changes can lead to dramatic shifts in Earth’s entire life support system.
InMotion, a well-known brand in the world of personal electric mobility, has officially launched its latest electric unicycle, the InMotion V9. Combining advanced technology and new safety features, the V9’s design positions this electric unicycle as a key option for urban commuters and adventure seekers alike who want good performance without spending a fortune.
Believe it or not, the electric unicycle market is quite broad. There are dozens of interesting models, offering everything from slow, beginner-friendly wheels to massively powerful and scary fast off-road electric unicycles (EUCs).
The new InMotion V9 launches as something of an in-between wheel, providing enough power and speed to keep it fun and interesting, yet without going so over-the-top that it becomes unaffordable or unapproachable by newer riders.
Priced at $1,299, the InMotion V9 is powered by a 1,000W motor that can reach peak outputs of 2,000W. This setup delivers a top speed of around 28 mph (45 km/h), positioning it well for urban streets and bike lanes, two of the most common stomping grounds for EUCs.
Range anxiety isn’t just a concern for cars; it can also affect micromobility riders. For its part, InMotion gave the V9 a fairly hefty 84V and 750Wh battery. This capacity allows the V9 to achieve up to 37 miles (60 km) per charge under optimal conditions. The UL-listed battery charges fairly quickly, reaching full capacity in approximately five hours.
One key feature of the V9 not found on most beginner-friendly wheels is its Nimbus Air suspension system, which provides 60 mm of travel to enhance rider comfort and reduce fatigue on uneven surfaces.
The included suspension is even more notable considering the V9 is currently InMotion’s lightest suspension-equipped electric unicycle, weighing around 48.5 lbs (22 kg). And speaking of weight, the EUC can support riders weighing up to 265 lbs (120 kg).
The InMotion V9 doesn’t skimp on smart features, either. Its integrated GPS tracking enables owners to remotely locate and monitor their unicycle via InMotion’s mobile app, even when powered off. Remote locking functionality further enhances security, ensuring peace of mind for riders frequently leaving their wheel unattended.
Additional smart integrations include customizable RGB side accent lights and built-in Bluetooth speakers, allowing riders to personalize their ride and stay entertained while commuting – or just keep cars and other road users more aware of their presence. The V9 also includes USB-A and USB-C ports with 20W output to ensure riders can conveniently charge their mobile devices while on the go.
Safety is always paramount in electric transportation devices, especially those that come with their own unique concerns like electric unicycles. The V9 has TÜV Rheinland UL2272 certification and “advanced fire-resistant technology” to mitigate risks further.
The InMotion V9 is now available for purchase through local InMotion dealers and via the official InMotion online store.
I don’t cover electric unicycles as often as e-bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices, but not because they are less deserving. They’re certainly more niche, but I know that the EUC community is adamant about their advantages. And listen, I get it. They’re small and convenient to park or store inside, they don’t require much maintenance at all, and they’re pretty fun after you get the hang of them. An EUC can be intimidating at first, but once it clicks in your brain after a few learning sessions, riding one is a blast!
With the electric unicycle market continuing to gain traction, InMotion still faces competition from other premium brands. However, the V9’s comprehensive package of comfort, safety, and advanced smart features, combined with its competitive price point, should place it pretty well in the crowded landscape of personal electric transportation.
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Fremont, California-based Delta Electronics just rolled out a sleek new 50kW DC Wallbox charger that’s designed for tight spaces at ACT Expo 2025.
This charger packs a punch in a surprisingly slim, 10-inch-thick, and lightweight (just 225 pounds!) casing that can be wall-mounted or set up on a pedestal. It’s specifically designed for tight spaces like urban parking lots, busy corporate campuses, or crowded fleet operation hubs.
Delta plans to manufacture these 50kW DC Wallbox chargers in Plano, Texas, keeping it local and supporting the rapid EV infrastructure growth across North America.
A 50 kW charger is at the low end of Level 3 fast charging speed, because you don’t always need to charge your car in 25 minutes. It’s the ideal charging speed for shopping, lunch, or seeing a film. Eng Taing, Delta’s senior VP and GM of energy & telecom Infrastructure, says, “Our focus is on seamlessly integrating high efficiency charging into the diverse scenarios of everyday life, including commercial operations, not just maximizing power output.”
With a 97% efficiency rate, the Wallbox can juice up two EVs simultaneously using either CCS1 or NACS connectors. Plus, the 23-foot cable makes it easy to accommodate nearly any parking layout, eliminating headaches during installation.
Delta’s vertical integration approach means it handles everything from design to manufacturing. But it doesn’t stop at hardware; the charger also connects to Delta’s IoT platform, offering remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and over-the-air updates. That hopefully means fewer disruptions and smoother operations for fleet managers and EV users.
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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More car buyers are hunting for used EVs – CarMax says searches filtered by “electric vehicle” have nearly doubled since January 2022.
CarMax saw EV searches surge in March 2022 and again in June 2024. The first spike lined up with the gas price shock after Russia invaded Ukraine, and the second came right as the Biden administration rolled out its $4,000 federal tax credit for used EVs.
The online used car marketplace’s Spring 2025 Electric Vehicle Consumer Report shows just how far used EV prices have tumbled, down over 40% between January 2022 and February 2025. By comparison, prices for gas cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids only slipped about 12% over the same period.
The top 10 most popular used EVs
For the third year running, the Tesla Model 3 and the Model Y were in the No. 1 and No. 2 slots, respectively, from September 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. The Chevy Bolt jumped into third place from its previous spot at No. 7 in 2024 and 2023. The Ford F-150 Lightning (7) and the Rivian R1T (10) made the top 10 for the first time, while the Tesla Model S and the Audi e-tron dropped out. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Leaf were at Nos. 5 and 6, and the Volkswagen ID.4 (4), Nissan LEAF (6), and the Ford Mustang Mach-E (9) made the list for the third year in a row.
What people are trading in
For the first time ever, more people are ditching sedans and coupes for EVs than SUVs. CarMax says sedans and coupes made up 44% of all EV trade-ins, up from 36% in 2024 and just 29% the year before. It’s a clear sign that the EV switch is picking up speed across more than just SUV drivers.
When customers traded in sedans for EVs during this report’s measurement period, the most common EVs they purchased were the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, and Chevy Bolt EUV.
The top traded-in model for an EV at CarMax was the Tesla Model 3, and those who traded in a Model 3 usually went for a Model Y. The rest of the top five include the Honda Civic and Accord, the Nissan LEAF, and the Toyota Prius. The Ford F-150 truck, the top trade-in alongside the Accord in the 2024 report, dropped off the list.
Where used EVs are most popular
Since this is CarMax’s report, it’s of course based on data sourced from its 250 stores across the US. In 2025, Oregon beat California to become the state with the highest percentage of EV sales compared to each state’s total sales at CarMax. California has previously held the top ranking since 2023.
The West Coast continued to dominate when it came to used EV sales. California and Washington were in second and third place, respectively. Nevada and Arizona were fourth and sixth, while Utah and New Mexico (new to the top 10 list this year) held spots five and seven. On the East Coast, New York (10) appeared on the list for a second time, dropping two spots from No. 8 in 2024.
The newcomers include Minnesota, which jumped 24 spots in a year to No. 8, and New Jersey, which moved up six slots to No. 9.
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
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