The United Nations climate summit, COP28, witnessed a swift start on its first day, achieving rare quick action and agreement. However, as negotiators conclude the first week, they find themselves in a familiar and complex landscape, balancing momentum with roadblocks.

German climate envoy Jennifer Morgan acknowledged the mixed picture of negotiations, citing significant differences among individual states but emphasizing a collective will to make progress. Proponents advocating for a transformative phase-out of fossil fuels expressed hope tempered with concerns about potential obstacles.