6 October 2024, Sun |
11:15 PM
Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and current President of COP28, delivered a resounding call to action during the opening session of Pre-COP, where a record number of ministers and delegations from across the globe had gathered. Al Jaber stressed the imperative for the international community to join forces in the fight against climate change, stating, “We must stand together. We must take action. And we must deliver in Dubai.”
Pre-COP, held in Abu Dhabi over the course of today and tomorrow, serves as a preparatory meeting leading up to COP28. This year’s event has drawn unprecedented participation, with 70 ministers and over 100 delegations converging in the UAE capital, more than doubling the typical Pre-COP attendance.
Acknowledging the global divisions prevalent in today’s world, the COP28 President underscored the immediate need for unity on climate issues, aiming to convey a message of hope, solidarity, stability, and prosperity. The overarching goal is to demonstrate that the international community can indeed fulfill its climate commitments and signal the continued pursuit of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Al Jaber also pointed out that, prior to the Paris Agreement, the world was on a trajectory toward more than four degrees of warming. Presently, the latest reports indicate a trajectory of two to three degrees, a positive shift but still insufficient. “We’re moving in the right direction, but not nearly fast enough,” he cautioned.
Dr. Al Jaber urged parties to improve their efforts in crafting agreements on climate issues, emphasizing that there’s no time to waste on disunity. He called for a shift away from short-term thinking, excuses, and delays, highlighting the need to redefine self-interest as a common interest.
The COP28 President expressed his belief in the effectiveness of multilateralism and urged all parties to fulfill their responsibilities. He stressed the importance of delivering a robust response to the Global Stocktake to realign the world with the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. Key areas of focus include substantial mitigation measures, a comprehensive adaptation agreement, and groundbreaking financial solutions, including funding arrangements for loss and damage.
To address the imperative of achieving a 43 percent reduction in emissions by 2030, Al Jaber emphasized the importance of seeking common ground on the inclusion of fossil fuels and renewables in the negotiated text. He urged cooperation in finding pragmatic solutions that encompass all parties and leave no one behind.
On the policy front, the COP28 President noted that more than 20 oil and gas companies have committed to ending methane emissions by 2030, with increasing momentum in this endeavor. Engagement with high-emitting sectors, such as heavy transportation, aluminum, steel, and cement, was also highlighted as part of the effort to create credible decarbonization plans.
Regarding finance, Al Jaber stressed the necessity of ensuring capital flows to the Global South and rebuilding trust in developing nations. He emphasized the importance of upholding prior commitments, such as the $100 billion pledge, while acknowledging the ongoing efforts of Germany and Canada in this regard.
The President underscored the significance of adaptation and the need to meet the Global Goal. He called for the cessation of deforestation and the preservation of natural carbon sinks, encouraging nations to incorporate nature-positive investments into their national climate strategies.
In conclusion, the COP28 President reminded the audience that the world is closely watching the progress made in the fight against climate change. He called on nations to unite, emphasizing the power and responsibility they hold. He reiterated, “This process must not fail. We have to come through. We must deliver in Dubai.”
