COP28 President Calls for Global Unity and Climate Action in Dubai
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber’s Address at Pre-COP in Abu Dhabi Sets the Stage for COP28
BY NABIMARA BENSON
In a powerful and impassioned address at the Pre-COP gathering in Abu Dhabi, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized the critical need for global unity and resolute climate action. With a record number of ministers and delegations from around the world in attendance, the event set the stage for the upcoming COP28 in Dubai.
The Urgent Call for Unity
Dr. Al Jaber’s message was clear: the international community must unite to tackle the pressing issue of climate change. He acknowledged the numerous divisions plaguing the world today and stressed that now, more than ever, there is a need to come together on climate action. The ultimate goal is to send a clear message of hope, solidarity, stability, and prosperity while striving to keep the ambitious target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees within reach.
The Progress Made and Challenges Ahead
Acknowledging the progress made since the Paris Agreement, Dr. Al Jaber pointed out that the world is now on a path towards two to three degrees of warming, compared to the previous trajectory of more than four degrees. However, he warned that this progress is not occurring fast enough, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
He called on parties to do better in formulating agreements and emphasized the need to move beyond short-term thinking. Addressing the issue of fossil fuels, he urged collaboration and pragmatic solutions that can achieve alignment, common ground, and consensus among all parties, without leaving anyone behind.
Taking Responsibility
Dr. Al Jaber shared updates on various policy fronts, including commitments from more than 20 oil and gas companies to end methane emissions by 2030. There is a positive momentum, with other sectors like heavy transportation, aluminum, steel, and cement engaging in the development of credible decarbonization plans.
Promises Made and Kept Old promises, such as the 100-billion-dollar pledge, were also discussed. Dr. Al Jaber expressed gratitude for the efforts of Germany and Canada in this regard, but he stressed that there is still uncertainty regarding the delivery of these promises.
Adaptation and Preservation
The importance of adaptation and the need to meet the Global Goal were reiterated. Dr. Al Jaber called for the end of deforestation and the preservation of natural carbon sinks. He emphasized that every nation should embed nature-positive investments in their national climate strategies.
A Global Call to Action
In his closing remarks, Dr. Al Jaber issued a powerful call to action, reminding attendees that the world is watching. He emphasized that the responsibility is shared, and this process must not fail. The international community must come through and deliver in Dubai.
COP28: A Global Gathering for Climate Action
COP28, scheduled to take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, promises to be a monumental event. The conference will convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, industry leaders, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. It will deliver the first-ever Global Stocktake, evaluating progress against climate goals and setting a clear roadmap for an inclusive and pragmatic global energy transition.
The four pillars of the COP28 Presidency’s Action Agenda are fast-tracking the energy transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on people, lives, and livelihoods, and underpinning everything with full inclusivity. With Dr. Sultan Al Jaber’s unwavering commitment to the cause, COP28 is poised to be a historic moment in the fight against climate change.
In a world filled with divisions, Dr. Al Jaber’s message serves as a beacon of hope, urging the global community to unite, act, and deliver in Dubai for the sake of the planet and future generations. COP28 represents an opportunity to demonstrate that multilateralism can still work and that the international community can rise to the challenge of climate change.
About the Author
Nabimara Benson Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture and Community development from BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY , an Environmentalist who is concerned with protecting and preserving our natural environment.