Climate Change Conference COP28's conclusion has left Lincolnshire leaders and campaigners disappointed.

The event concluded with its first, though not legally-binding, agreement to 'transition away' from fossil fuels, marking a major shift in 30 years of summits.

The deal, however, does not include the clearer "phase out" of fossil fuels, as advocated by some nations, and allows for "transitional fuels" like gas.

It signals a commitment to shift towards cleaner energy, but critics note loopholes and the need for substantial funding for developing countries to transition.

The agreement calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with 1.5C pathways and achieving net zero by 2050.

While historic, the decision has left Lincolnshire's local leaders concerned about its lack of stronger commitments and potential impact on the region.

Local perspectives raise important questions about the effectiveness of global climate summits like COP28 and their impact on communities such as Lincolnshire.

They underline the need for more decisive action at these summits to mitigate the effects of climate change and protect vulnerable regions.

Colin Davie, Executive Councillor for Economy, Environment and Strategic Planning at Lincolnshire County Council, described COP28 as ending not "with some major firecracker announcement, but a compromised fudge."

Davie noted COP28's large carbon footprint with over 100,000 attendees and private jets, contradicting its goals.

In Davie's eyes, the event represents a missed opportunity, with significant players like China and India continuing their reliance on coal.

He firmly opposes measures that would increase energy costs or compromise energy security for residents and businesses in the pursuit of global agendas.

"My biggest takeaway from COP28 was that it talked a lot, delivered a load of hot air and came up with a meaningless fudge in its final communique that will change nothing or improve the lives of any of our residents," said Councillor Davie.

"Ultimately it will be local and pragmatic solutions that move the dial and not this jamboree of an event. We are committed to finding those local solutions to the challenges of the future."

XR Lincoln, a local environmental group, was also disappointed and concerned over the summit's outcomes and their potential impact on Lincolnshire.

Rosemary Robinson, a representative of the group, described the conference as a "COP-out," highlighting the diluted commitments to reduce carbon emissions.

"The text only calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems. No mention of fossil fuel use in transport (aeroplanes, cars, shipping) or in other sectors of the economy," she said.

"Even if implemented, this voluntary agreement only takes us about 30% of the way to avoiding 1.5C global warming, according to the independent International Energy Agency."

Robinson said that the lack of decisive action on phasing out fossil fuels could lead to catastrophic consequences, including a possible global temperature rise of 2.5C within decades.

She also noted the presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at the summit, which was held in an oil state. This, she argued, contributed to the weakening of initial ambitions to phase out fossil fuels, resulting in mere suggestions for countries on reducing emissions.

For Lincolnshire, these developments could mean more oil and gas exploration, worsening the CO2 emissions problem without addressing the cost-of-living crisis for residents.

Robinson warned of environmental impacts like rising sea levels and extreme weather, posing risks to various coastal and low-lying areas in Lincolnshire,  potentially impacting vegetable and crop yields and threatening the UK's food security.

Other campaigners also shared critical views. One highlighted COP28's insufficient action on climate issues and the hollowness of financial promises.

Another criticised it as a success for oil companies but a failure for humanity, due to the lack of firm commitments on fossil fuel phase-out.

Scepticism was also raised about COP28's effectiveness, given the significant influence of the fossil fuel industry and petro-states.