In a surprising turn of events, wealthy nations around the globe have demonstrated their commitment to the ongoing destruction of our fragile eco-system by adamantly refusing to let go of their precious fossil fuels. This shocking revelation was made in the leadup to the COP28 climate change conference, casting long, ominous shadows over any potential deal-making. Gathered in what they deemed an "emergency meeting," global leaders were purportedly seen clutching their barrels of oil and bags of coal tighter than a Wall Street banker to his ill-gotten dollar bills. Apparently, the driving force behind their stubbornness is not the myopic focus on economic gains, but the 'sentimental value' these resources hold. One leader was heard whispering to his petroleum jar, "We've had some good sweet times, haven't we?" The unfortunate truth, of course, is that these fossil fuels, much like the reputations of those clinging onto them, are swiftly going the way of the dinosaurs. As environmentally-conscious citizens get closer to solving the riddle of sustainable energy, these so-called 'leaders' remain fiercely stuck to the tar-pits of the past. Such reliance sheds light on their inherent inability to keep up with the evolving world, much like a group of elderly folk failing to grasp the concept of TikTok. The primary issue under debate at the upcoming COP28 negotiations is the proposed shift from fossil fuels to renewable resources. Despite irrefutable evidence presented by the scientific community establishing a direct connection between climate change and human activities, wealthy nations remain inexplicably enamored with their lethal greenhouse gas-emitting pastime. Our trusted politicians' refusal to release their death-grip on fossil fuels makes one almost nostalgic for the days when "oil" was just an ingredient in grandmother's kitchen and not a harbinger of impending climatic doom. As the conference looms closer, the rest of the world watches on, waiting to see if a late-night viewing of ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ may trigger an epiphany among the leaders, thus pushing the negotiations towards a favorable outcome. Even so, there remains little hope that even Al Gore’s harsh reality checks can shake these fossil fuel devotees out of their carbon-stoked stupor. As the clock ticks closer to our environmental Doomsday, rich nations haven't given up on their love affair with fossil fuels. All we can hope is that one day, they stop serenading their oil drums long enough to listen to the cries of Mother Earth. I fear, however, that this hope may indeed be as empty as the barrels they leave behind. The only 'deal' being made here, it seems, is one with the devil. Here's to hoping that the flames of hell are at least eco-friendly.