Officials report that more than 60 countries have agreed to a plan to increase renewable energy threefold during the current decade

More than 60 countries have expressed their support for a deal led by the European Union, United States, and United Arab Emirates to triple renewable energy by 2030 and reduce dependence on coal, according to two officials familiar with the matter.

The EU, U.S., and UAE have been seeking backing for this pledge ahead of the upcoming COP28 climate negotiations in Dubai. Major emerging economies like Nigeria, South Africa, and Vietnam, as well as developed countries like Australia, Japan, and Canada, have indicated their intention to join the pledge.

The draft of the pledge also includes a commitment to doubling the world’s annual rate of improving energy efficiency until 2030.

The officials revealed that negotiations with China and India to join the pledge are underway. This early show of support for renewable energy and phasing out coal is expected to create momentum and a positive atmosphere for the climate conference.

Learn more: Reuters