The 28th session of the Conference of Parties ,COP28, of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change kicked off in Dubai with a call to accelerate collective climate action.
The conference occurring in what scientists have identified as the hottest year in human history, gathers over 160 world leaders, including Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
It spans from November 30 to December 12, aiming to secure decisive action on climate commitments.
The opening emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, urging leaders to deliver a clear message to deepen cooperation and actions to reverse climate impacts.
The conference concludes the “global stocktake,” the first assessment of global progress on the 2015 Paris Agreement, revealing that the world is not on track to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C by the century’s end.
The UAE’s COP28 president, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, stated that immediate action must be taken to reduce carbon emissions.
He added that during the conference, “every country and every company will be held to account, guided by the north star of keeping 1.5°C within reach.”
“All parties should be prepared to deliver a high ambition decision in response to the global stocktake that reduces emissions while protecting people, lives and livelihoods.”
Egypt’s Foreign Minister and COP27 President, Sameh Shoukry, stated, “It is critical to build on previous achievements, but even more importantly, to implement what we have already agreed upon.”
“We cannot achieve our common goals unless everyone, especially the Global South, gets on board.”
“We must begin delivering on climate justice and provide the necessary tools for funding loss and damage that we agreed on in Sharm el-Sheikh, including the establishment of a fund.”
“One of the major outcomes that has to come out of COP28 is for the fund to be fully operationalised and funded.”
The event places a significant focus on climate financing, emphasizing the need to replenish the Green Climate Fund, double financial resources for adaptation, and operationalize the loss and damage fund.
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