COP28: Climate action can’t wait

The 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC, or COP28, amid record global temperatures and widespread extreme weather events, presents a crucial opportunity to address the climate crisis.

The conference is to assess progress on the Paris Agreement and devise strategies to significantly reduce emissions. The imperative is to swiftly decrease coal, oil, and gas production, while tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030. There is a pressing need for substantial financing to enhance adaptation and climate resilience efforts.

COP28 aims to gather leaders from governments, businesses, NGOs, and civil society to formulate concrete solutions for this defining global issue.

Photo Source: enb.iisd.org

“Negotiators have been negotiating with people’s lives, not just carbon emissions. They just didn’t realize it.”
– Dr. Diarmid Campell-Lendrum of the World Health Organization (WHO)

COP 28 witnessed support from 70 states and 39 organizations for the UAE declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery, and Peace, emphasizing increased investment in resilience for conflict-affected regions. Health ministers discussed the connection between health and climate risks, advocating for the phasing out of fossil fuels due to associated health issues. Earth Information Day focused on enhancing the accessibility of climate information.

The theme of a just transition to a low-carbon future was prominent, with developing countries seeking support. Progress was reported on the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage, aiming to aid vulnerable countries in addressing climate-related challenges.