Historic COP28 agreement commits to transition away from fossil fuels, and other trending stories, Gulf News Editors comment on December 13 top news

HISTORIC COP28 UAE AGREEMENT: In a historic move at the COP28 UAE, nations agreed to a landmark global pact explicitly calling for a transition away from fossil fuels, addressing the root cause of global warming. Amid the hottest recorded year, the accord urges countries to swiftly shift from fossil fuels in a just manner, cease carbon dioxide emissions by midcentury, triple renewable energy deployment by 2030, and reduce methane emissions. This unprecedented agreement requires each nation to submit a detailed emission reduction plan by 2035. Urgent action is emphasised, with scientists calling for a 43 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions this decade to avert catastrophic consequences associated with a warming planet. (By Sadiq Shaban, Opinion Editor)

DUBAI'S GREEN TRANSPORT GEM: Dubai's free Metro parking service is one of the jewels in the city's sustainable transport arsenal. Amidst the bustling metropolis, this initiative not only eases the burden of parking but also plays a vital role in reducing emissions. Three Metro stations – Centerpoint in Al Rashidiya, Jebel Ali, and Etisalat – offer free parking, allowing commuters to seamlessly transition to the efficient Metro system. Dubbed "Park and Ride," this free service is a testament to Dubai's commitment to eco-friendly commuting. With spacious multi-storey parking lots at each of the three major stations and user-friendly access through Nol cards, it's a game-changer. As the city evolves, this initiative not only simplifies transportation but also contributes to decongesting urban traffic, making it a win-win for residents and visitors alike. Embrace the convenience, reduce your carbon footprint, and discover Dubai's best-kept secret for stress-free commuting. (By Jay Hilotin, Senior Assistant Editor)

THE CHARISMA OF RONALDO AND MESSI MAINTAINS ITS GRIP ON FANS: The enduring enchantment of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi continues to captivate world football, with indications that this spell is set to endure. Despite both stars relocating to Saudi Arabia and America respectively, stepping away from the European limelight, they remain at the forefront of the Global Soccer Awards shortlist for the coveted Best Player of the Year award. Fans, contributing a record 27 million votes, attest to the enduring impact of their rivalry, constituting a significant boon for the sport despite their reduced European presence. (By AKS Satish, Sports Editor)

EMIRATI RAPPER EZOW ON HOW HE MARCHES TO HIS OWN BEATS: Emirati rapper and hip-hop sensation EZOW from Dubai is keen to shatter stereotypes when it comes to his music. He may prefer to work in a dark room to fire his creative process, but he doesn’t believe in using profanity-laden lyrics to spur his musical journey forward. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, EZOW said he detested wild partying, setting himself apart from the usual stereotype of how rappers usually conduct themselves in their downtime. As EZOW prepares to support Chris Brown at the Coca Cola Arena in Dubai on December 22, it’s heartening to see a young rising talent who’s committed to creating music without explicit content. The rest is surround noise, his music from the heart is what counts. (By Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Entertainment Editor)