COP28 Summit: Protester storms stage, demands end to fossil fuels

A youthful demonstrator abruptly appeared on stage during the COP28 climate conference in Dubai on Monday, brandishing a placard above her head that said, “End fossil fuels.” Preserve both the earth and our future.

The crowd applauded as the protester was led away.

COP28 Director-General Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi urged the crowd to continue applauding the protester, expressing admiration for the youthful energy displayed during the conference.

The protester’s affiliation with a particular group was not immediately apparent.

The United Arab Emirates, which forbids numerous organised groups, including political parties and labour unions, has seen very few public protests during the UN negotiations.

As the summit strives to negotiate a final agreement, which may contain wording on phasing out fossil fuels, countries were waiting on Monday for the COP28 Presidency to release a fresh draft text.

Although the U.N. climate negotiations are supposed to conclude on Tuesday, they have never done so on time.

(With agency inputs)