According to Reuters sources, more than 60 countries support an agreement initiated by the European Union, the United States and the United Arab Emirates to triple the use of renewable energy and phase out coal by the end of this decade. The EU, the US and the UAE are seeking to support the agreement ahead of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), which will be held from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai.

Some major developing economies such as Nigeria, South Africa and Vietnam, developed countries such as Australia, Japan and Canada, and others such as Peru, Chile, Zambia and Barbados have said they will join the pledge, officials told Reuters.

The draft agreement, seen by Reuters, also calls for doubling the annual rate of increase in global energy efficiency to 4 percent by 2030.

The increase in the amount of renewable energy sources must be accompanied by a “phase-out of coal-fired power,” including the end of funding for new coal-fired power plants.

China and India are still negotiating

Negotiations with China and India to sign the agreement are “well advanced,” although neither country has yet expressed interest in joining the effort.

According to Reuters, scientists say both actions — a rapid increase in clean energy and a rapid reduction in the use of fossil fuels in the energy sector — are critical to preventing severe climate change.