GERMANY has called for governments around the world to work on setting an ambitious target for renewable energy that would “ring in the end of the fossil fuel age.”

Speaking at the start of a two-day meeting in Berlin today, attended by dozens of top climate envoys, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock noted that the world needs to sharply cut greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

“But we also know that not all countries are prepared to do so,” she said. “That is why I want to open the debate (…) on whether we should and can reach a target on renewables at the next climate conference.”

Addressing officials from about 40 countries attending the annual Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, Ms Baerbock said that renewables such as solar and wind power are already the most cost-effective form of generating energy in most places around the world.

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has called for an end to all fossil fuel use, warning that otherwise the goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C may be missed.

Environmental campaigners say solutions also need to be found for millions of workers in the coal, oil and gas industry if it is to be wound down successfully, as well as alternative sources of energy for billions of people around the world who still rely on cheap fossil fuels.

“What we need to see coming out of Cop28 is not just about fossil fuel phaseout, but equitable phaseout of fossil fuels,” said Harjeet Singh, head of global political strategy at Climate Action Network International.

Diplomats attending the meeting in Berlin will also be discussing how to ramp up various forms of financial aid for developing countries hardest hit by climate change.

Ms Baerbock said a pledge for rich nations to provide $100 billion (£80bn) annually to poor countries by 2020 will meet its target for the first time this year.

A separate fund to help nations hit by climate disasters, agreed at last year’s climate talks in Egypt, is still being set up.

Experts say that in addition to aid, large sums will need to come from the private sector. Other sources such as carbon taxes on air and sea travel have also been floated.

Pakistan’s Climate Minister Sherry Rehman made clear the impatience of countries such as her own, which is still grappling with the effects of last year’s devastating floods.

“We’re looking to move forward on finding paths to climate financing that is real, that is actionable, and that is delivered in time without institutionalised red tape to countries that are in need and countries that are in climate catastrophe.”