The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), scheduled to be held at Expo Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023, is a crucial moment to work to fulfill climate commitments and prevent the worst impacts of climate change. The UAE holds the presidency of the twenty-eighth session of the Conference of the Parties, and Dr. Sultan Al Jaber assumes the presidency of the conference this year.
This year’s COP marks the conclusion of the Global Assessment, the first assessment of global progress in implementing the 2015 Paris Agreement.
The Paris Climate Agreement aims to commit to reducing global temperatures to “well below” two degrees Celsius and to strive seriously to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius to ensure that the planet is protected from the catastrophic consequences caused by climate change.
But the results are stark: the world is not on track to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. Countries are working to develop plans for a net-zero future, and although the transition to clean energy is increasing rapidly, it shows that the transition is not yet fast enough to limit global warming within the framework of current ambitions.
A recently published UN report on climate change shows that national climate action plans (known as Nationally Determined Contributions or “NDCs”) could collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2 percent lower compared to 2019 levels by 2030.
The global assessment should be a catalyst for greater ambition in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement as countries prepare to submit revised national climate action plans by 2025. It should identify actions on how to accelerate emissions reductions, strengthen climate resilience, and provide the necessary support and financing for the transformation process.
“More than 160 world leaders are heading to Dubai, because only cooperation between countries can bring humanity back into this race. But the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) cannot be just a photo opportunity, but must be a platform.” For concrete action,” according to statements by Simon Steele, UN Executive Secretary on Climate Change.
He stressed the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change, and urged global leaders attending the COP28 conference in Dubai to act decisively.
Steele called on negotiators to prioritize reaching a meaningful agreement that would make a significant impact in addressing the climate crisis.
The financing dilemma is at the heart of this transformation, as replenishing the Green Climate Fund, doubling the financial resources needed for adaptation and operating the Loss and Damage Fund are essential to keeping 1.5°C within reach while leaving no one behind, especially developing countries.
“The reality is that without more financing flowing to developing countries, the renewable energy revolution will remain a mirage in the desert… COP28 must make it a reality,” said Steele.
Progress on climate finance at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will be crucial to build confidence in other negotiation areas and lay the foundation for a more ambitious “new collective target” for climate finance, which should be implemented next year. It will also pave the way for a just and comprehensive transition to renewable energy and the phase-out of fossil fuels.
In the face of increasing conflicts and tensions around the world, Simon Steele, UN Executive Secretary on Climate Change, stressed the need for collaborative efforts to combat climate change, an area where countries can effectively work together to ensure a sustainable future for both people and planet.
“We don’t have any time to waste… We need to take urgent action now to reduce emissions… At COP28, every country and every company will be held accountable and we affirm a firm commitment to keeping the 1.5°C temperature target within reach,” said COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber.
Al Jaber added: “All parties must be prepared to make a very ambitious decision in response to the global assessment that reduces emissions while protecting people, lives and livelihoods.”
For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister and COP27 President Sameh Shoukry said: “It is crucial to continue building on previous achievements, but more importantly is to implement what we have already agreed upon. We cannot achieve our common goals without the participation of everyone, most importantly the Global South… and we must To begin achieving climate justice and provide the necessary tools that we have already agreed upon in Sharm El-Sheikh to finance losses and damages, including the establishment of the Fund.. One of the main outcomes that COP28 must produce is the operation and full financing of the Fund.”
Key events of COP28
The World Climate Action Summit (WCAS), hosted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Heads of State or Government will meet from 1 to 2 December, when the first part of the Summit will take place and a high-level segment of Heads of State or Government will also be held. Governments.
The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday: “I welcome world leaders and representatives to the Emirates at (COP 28), which begins tomorrow, and I look forward to working together in the spirit of human solidarity and a common global destiny, in order to get out.” With qualitative results to protect our planet from the threat of climate change that has become present in every corner of it.”
WCAS provides Heads of State or Government the opportunity to set the stage for COP28, build on decisions from previous COPs, raise climate commitments and promote coordinated action to address climate change.
The COP28 Presidency will hold open consultations on thematic areas, and will invite input from a broad mix of stakeholders attending the conference.
The official website of the Climate Summit stated that the call for WCAS in the United Arab Emirates emphasizes the importance of world leaders implementing and transforming key climate-related decisions into concrete actions and credible plans, continuing to raise ambition, building on the previous COP, and maintaining high-level commitment on issues Climate Change, with the aim of combating the climate emergency and promoting coordinated action to address climate change.
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