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Dubai Hosts ‘Road to COP28’ for MENA Climate Action

دبي في 27 أكتوبر / وام/  اجتمع أكثر من 350 من قادة ورواد الأعمال والمسؤولين الحكوميين في منتدى “الطريق إلى” cop28"، الذي عقد في دبي بالتعاون مع 27 فرعاً لمنظمة الرؤساء الشباب YPO في الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا، بهدف تحفيز الجهود وتعزيز العمل الجماعي ومساهمة القطاع الخاص الإقليمي في مواجهة تغير المناخ، وذلك في إطار الاستعدادات الجارية لانطلاق فعاليات “COP28”، والمنتدى المناخي للأعمال التجارية والخيرية المقرر عقده يومَي 1 و2 ديسمبر 2023 ضمن فعاليات الحدث.      حضر المنتدى معالي الدكتور سلطان بن أحمد الجابر، وزير الصناعة والتكنولوجيا المتقدمة رئيس مؤتمر الأطراف COP28، ومعالي عبد الله البسطي أمين عام المجلس التنفيذي لإمارة دبي، وسعادة اللواء محمد أحمد المري مدير عام الإدارة العامة للإقامة وشؤون الأجانب بدبي، وسعادة خلفان بلهول الرئيس التنفيذي لمؤسسة دبي للمستقبل، وسعادة محمد علي بن راشد لوتاه، مدير عام غرف دبي، وعدد من المسؤولين البارزين.       وأكد معالي الدكتور سلطان بن أحمد الجابر، أن مواجهة تداعيات تغير المناخ تتطلب تعزيز التعاون بين الحكومات ومنظمات المجتمع المدني، وأن تحقيق انتقال مُنظَّم ومسؤول وعادل ومنطقي في قطاع الطاقة يتطلب استثمارات كبيرة من القطاع الخاص، وضرورة بناء شراكات بين قطاع الأعمال والحكومات والمجتمع المدني لتهيئة الظروف المناسبة لتحفيز استثمارات القطاع الخاص في هذا المجال.      وتضمن المنتدى عدداً من الكلمات الرئيسية التي تناولت الاستعدادات الجارية لمؤتمر الأطراف COP28 وأكدت أن المؤتمر سيشكل محطة مهمة لتعزيز دور مجتمع الأعمال في مجال المناخ، وكان من ضمن المتحدثين سعادة رزان خليفة المبارك، رائدة الأمم المتحدة للمناخ لـ COP28، وسعادة هلال سعيد المري، مدير عام دائرة الاقتصاد والسياحة في دبي.       واستعرضت سعادة رزان المبارك في كلمتها رؤية رئاسة COP28 وخطة عملها، مؤكدةً أهمية حشد استثمارات القطاع الخاص لمعالجة نقص التمويل في مجال المناخ، مع ضرورة توجيه مزيد من تدفقات رأس المال لحماية الطبيعة، مشيرةً إلى التزام رئاسة COP28 بضمان احتواء الجميع في منظومة العمل المناخي، وأن قطاعَي الأعمال التجارية والخيرية شريكان في تحقيق أهداف الحياد المناخي والوصول إلى التنمية المستدامة.       وقالت سعادتها " إن مستقبل كوكب الأرض يعتمد على القرارات الحكومية، وأيضاً تعزيز الابتكار والالتزام والطموح لدى القطاع الخاص، وفي هذا العقد الحاسم بالنسبة إلى العمل المناخي، يجب أن تقوم الشركات والمؤسسات الخيرية بتوجيه إمكاناتها ومواردها، لمعالجة نقص التمويل، وبناء مستقبل مستدام ومرن مناخياً للأجيال الحالية والقادمة ".       ويشكل هذا الحدث البارز محطة مهمة بالنسبة إلى مجتمع الأعمال الإقليمي، خاصةً مع استعداد دولة الإمارات لاستضافة COP28.        وفي إطار المنتدى عقدت جلسات نقاشية ركزت على أهم جوانب العمل المناخي، ومبادرات القطاع الخاص ضمن خطة عمل COP28، بما في ذلك دور قطاع الطاقة في الحد من الانبعاثات العالمية، والارتباط الوثيق بين مجالي التمويل المناخي والابتكارات لدعم مشروعات التكنولوجيا الخضراء، ودور النظم الغذائية في مواجهة أزمة المناخ.       وينظم COP28 ضمن فعالياته "المنتدى المناخي للأعمال التجارية والخيرية" بالتزامن انعقاد القمة العالمية للعمل المناخي، إذ يهدف المنتدى إلى تعزيز العمل الجماعي والتعاون بين كافة شرائح المجتمع، بالإضافة إلى بحث الإستراتيجيات اللازمة لتعزيز قدرة القطاع الخاص للإسهام بمعالجة فجوة التمويل التي تزيد على 3 تريليونات دولار أمريكي سنوياً من أجل تحقيق أهداف الحياد المناخي، ودعم جهود التكيف مع تغير المناخ، ومعالجة الخسائر والأضرار، وتعزيز التنوع البيولوجي.       وقال بدر جعفر، الممثل الخاص للأعمال التجارية والخيرية في “COP28” : " لفترة طويلة كانت معالجة تداعيات تغير المناخ لها منظور محدد، يضع النشطاء في خانة الأبطال والرأسمالية في خانة الأشرار، ولتصحيح هذا المنظور، دعت رئاسة COP28 إلى اتباع نهج جديد يركز على النتائج العملية، وتوفير رأس المال، وتعزيز العمل الجماعي، وهذه الإمكانيات توفرها الأعمال التجارية والخيرية، ونحتاجها لتحقيق الأهداف المناخية وحماية الطبيعة".      وأشار جعفر الذي يترأس أيضاً منتدى COP28 المناخي للأعمال التجارية والخيرية إلى أن هذا المنتدى سيسهم في إزالة العراقيل بين القطاعات المختلفة ويوحد جهود قادة الأعمال، والقطاع الخيري، وصنّاع السياسات، لإيجاد حلول ناجحة وفعّالة وإجراء التغيير الجذري المنشود بما يتماشى مع خطة عمل COP28.        وقال سعادة هلال سعيد المري، مدير عام دائرة الاقتصاد والسياحة في دبي، "مع اقتراب موعد بدء هذا المؤتمر المناخي العالمي المهم، نأمل أن تكون البنية التحتية والخدمات التي تتميز فيها إمارة دبي، منصةً جامعة للأوطان والشبكات للتحاور وتشارك الحلول وتعزيز العمل المناخي، فدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة هي منارةٌ للابتكار ومنبرٌ للتعاون".        يشار إلى من بين قادة الأعمال المتحدثين في الفعالية أحمد جلال إسماعيل الرئيس التنفيذي لماجد الفطيم، وخالد الحريمل الرئيس التنفيذي لمجموعة بيئة، وروري جيمز مكارثي شريك في يِلو دور إنيرجي، وسامايلا زوبايرو رئيس مؤسسة التمويل الإفريقية ورئيسها التنفيذي، وبدر عطايا المؤسس المشارك لكيتوبي، وإدوارد هامود المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لسويتش فودز، وشون دينيس المؤسس المشارك لسيفود سوق، ورياض بصيبص الرئيس والرئيس التنفيذي لمجموعة أمانة للاستثمار، وسانديب واليا الرئيس التنفيذي لماريوت إنترناشونال الشرق الأوسط، وأحمد علي علوان نائب الرئيس التنفيذي لHub71، ونجلاء المدفع الرئيسة التنفيذية لمركز الشارقة لريادة الأعمال "شراع"، وغيرهم.        جدير بالذكر أن فعالية "الطريق إلى COP28" سلطت الضوء على الدور الهام الذي يستطيع القطاع الخاص أي يؤديه لتحقيق الأهداف المناخية.         ويسعى منتدى COP28 المناخي للأعمال التجارية والخيرية إلى تعزيز التعاون والعمل المناخي الجماعي ودعم خطة عمل رئاسة المؤتمر، التي تستند إلى أربع ركائز وهي تسريع تحقيق انتقال منظم ومسؤول وعادل ومنطقي في قطاع الطاقة، وتطوير آليات التمويل المناخي، وحماية البشر والطبيعة وتحسين الحياة وسُبل العيش، ودعم الركائز السابقة من خلال ضمان احتواء الجميع بشكل تام.  

Business leaders and entrepreneurs convene at ‘Road to COP28’ event in Dubai to address MENA climate action

The ‘Road to COP28’ event brought together over 350 prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government officials, in collaboration with 27 YPO Middle East/North Africa chapters.

Co-hosted by Badr Jafar, COP28 Special Representative for Business and Philanthropy, the event was attended by Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President, Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, Lieutenant General Mohammed Al Marri, Director General of the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship, Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, H.E. Mohammad Ali bin Rashed Lootah, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, and other officials. The event’s primary goal was to rally collective efforts and raise regional business ambitions in tackling climate change in preparation for COP28, and the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum scheduled on 1 and 2 December 2023.

The event consisted of a number of keynote speeches on the preparations for COP28 and opportunities for business to engage across the COP28 Presidential Action Agenda, including from Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.

Al Mubarak shared the goals and vision of the COP28 Presidency, emphasizing the critical role of mobilizing private investment to address climate finance gaps. The COP28 Presidency is fully committed to inclusivity and recognizes that business and philanthropy are essential stakeholders in developing collective solutions for achieving net-zero pathways and sustainable development.

The event marked a significant step forward for the regional business community, as the UAE prepares to host COP28.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in sessions focusing on critical aspects of climate action underscored by COP28’s private sector initiatives; such as the energy sector’s role in global emissions reductions and the policies driving it, the intersection of climate finance and technological innovation, the connection between the built environment and climate, and the protection of natural assets and food systems in addressing the climate crisis.

COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said, “In the battle against climate change, government and civil society cannot do the job themselves. A just and responsible energy transition requires major private sector investment if it is to become a reality. Businesses must partner actively with governments and civil society to ensure the right conditions are established for private sector investment in that transition.”

To drive collective action, COP28 will host the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum during COP28, running in parallel with the World Climate Action Summit.

The Forum aims to coordinate strategies on how the private sector can help address the financing gap of over USD 3 trillion required annually to achieve net-zero emissions, support climate adaptation, reverse nature loss and restore biodiversity.

Jafar, who is also Chair of the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum said: “For too long, the climate narrative has been seen through the prism of activism equals good, and capitalism equals bad. Which is why the COP28 Presidency has called for a new paradigm of actionism, which embraces the dynamism, capital, and action networks that business and philanthropy must bring to the table, if we are to stand a chance in achieving nature and climate goals. This CEO-level Forum will break down silos and mobilize global business and philanthropy leaders, along with policy makers, to unlock solutions and drive bolder results in line with the COP28 Action Agenda.”

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber during a keynote address at the inaugural African Climate Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo: WAM)

UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, Razan Al Mubarak said:”The future of our planet hinges not solely on government resolutions, but on the innovation, commitment, and ambition of the private sector. As we stand at this crossroad, it is essential for businesses and philanthropies to channel their influence and resources, closing the finance gap and crafting a green legacy for generations to come.”

Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Helal Saeed Al Marri commented: “As we approach this crucial global moment, we hope that Dubai’s unmatched infrastructure and global accessibility serve as a unifying platform for nations and networks to foster dialogue, share solutions, and drive climate action. The UAE stands as a beacon for innovation and collaboration.”

Business leaders who addressed the event included, Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim, Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH, Rory James McCarthy, Partner at Yellow Door Energy, Samaila Zubairu, CEO & President of the Africa Finance Corporation, Bader Ataya, Co-founder of Kitopi, Edward Hamod, Founder & CEO of Switch Foods, Sean Dennis, Co-Founder of Seafood Sooq, Riad Bsaibes, President & CEO of Amana Investments Group, Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer of Mariott International Middle East, Ahmad Ali Alwan, Deputy CEO of Hub71, and Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa – Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, among others.

The event put a spotlight on the important role that private sector can play in meeting climate goals, while the COP28 Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum aims to strengthen this collaborative climate action in line with the COP28 Action Agenda, which includes fast-tracking a just and orderly energy transition; fixing climate finance; putting nature, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; and underpinning everything with full inclusivity.

ALSO READ: UAE Calls on Govts to Endorse COP28 Declaration on Climate & Health

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‘Women at the Forefront of Climate Change’s Impact’

Women in Punjab make living from their backyard forest, also conserve it

Under a worst-case climate scenario by mid-century, up to 158.3 million more women and girls could be driven into poverty globally, surpassing the number of men and boys affected by 16 million….reports Asian Lite News

If unchecked, climate change will significantly increase women’s vulnerability to poverty and hunger, undermining hard-won development gains, according to a UN report.

“Globally, by mid-century, under a worst-case climate scenario, climate change may push up to 158.3 million more women and girls into poverty (16 million more than the total number of men and boys). Food insecurity is projected to increase by as much as 236 million more women and girls, compared to 131 million more men and boys,” said the “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals:

The gender snapshot 2023″, the latest edition in the annual series produced by United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), and launched in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

”Investments in a comprehensive SDG stimulus package would help to mitigate this effect, reducing the number of women falling into extreme poverty from 158.3 million to 43.3 million. But the impact will still be less than what could be achieved if the world abates climate change now, before it gets exponentially worse.

A recent review of national climate action plans, known as nationally determined contributions, found that only 55 have specific climate adaptation measures referring to gender equality and only 23 recognize women as agents of change in accelerating progress on climate commitments. Multi-sectoral plans and efforts to respond to climate change must prioritize women and girls most at risk.

A lot more is also needed in the areas of conservation, disaster preparedness, adaptation and resilience, including expanding women’s access to quality health, education, economic opportunities and information,” the report noted.

“Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023” presents the latest evidence on gender equality across all 17 Goals, including prevailing trends and gaps on the road to 2030. The report calls for an integrated and holistic approach to advancing gender equality, including via greater multistakeholder collaboration and targeted and sustained funding in support of the gender equality agenda. Failure to scale up and invest in gender equality now will place the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in peril. (ANI/WAM)

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Switzerland takes bold steps to combat climate change

Switzerland is grappling with many climate change consequences, notably the alarming glacier melt and dwindling snowfall. This decline in glacier volume, over 6% in the past year, has raised significant concerns…reports Asian Lite News

Switzerland is making significant strides in addressing the pressing issue of climate change, recognising the substantial risks it has brought in recent years.

These risks encompass not only threats to public health due to soaring temperatures but also its far-reaching consequences on diverse communities and the environment, marked by unprecedented glacier melting in the Swiss Alps, which has rendered the Alpine slopes increasingly unstable.

In June 2023, Switzerland approved a groundbreaking law to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This law aligns with Switzerland’s ongoing commitment to embracing eco-friendly energy alternatives, thereby supporting various sectors to actively participate in measures and initiatives aimed at combatting the challenges posed by climate change.

The new legislation is pivotal, not solely for ensuring energy security but also for addressing the climate change repercussions, magnified by the dramatic glacier melt observed in Switzerland, as one-third of glacier ice volume was lost between 2001 and 2022.

The law entails a financial commitment of two billion Swiss francs over a decade to incentivise replacing fossil fuel-based heating systems with environmentally friendly alternatives. Additionally, it encourages innovation in environmental conservation within the business sector.

Switzerland is grappling with many climate change consequences, notably the alarming glacier melt and dwindling snowfall. This decline in glacier volume, over 6% in the past year, has raised significant concerns.

Despite some experts characterising the diminishing glaciers as catastrophic, particularly in 2022, Swiss hydrologists view the situation with a nuanced perspective. They highlight the potential positive aspects of the melting ice, particularly in the drought conditions prevailing in Europe. The melting ice could potentially compensate for reduced rainfall and assist in replenishing hydroelectric dam reservoirs. Notably, hydroelectric power stations contribute to over 60% of Switzerland’s electricity production, while the remainder relies on imported oil, gas, and nuclear energy.

In terms of biodiversity, experts warn that the recent warming linked to climate change may exacerbate existing biodiversity challenges in Switzerland. This is especially pertinent given that 36% of plant, animal, and fungal species are currently endangered. Researchers anticipate that while some species may migrate from southern Europe, the number of species facing extinction is likely to increase due to deteriorating natural habitats, with those near water bodies, wetlands, and mountainous regions being particularly vulnerable.

In agriculture, scientists from the Federal Agricultural Research Centre anticipate challenges ahead. Reduced summer rainfall will pose difficulties for farmers, and rising temperatures will lead to increased evaporation, resulting in drier soil that necessitates more irrigation and potentially leading to a rise in harmful pests.

To proactively address the growing impacts of climate change, Switzerland is committed to bolstering its efforts, initiatives, and programmes in the coming years. These endeavours are geared towards mitigating the anticipated adverse effects of climate change on the nation, its environment, and its thriving tourism industry, particularly in the Alpine region. (ANI/WAM)

ALSO READ-Yellen to meet Chinese finance minister in Switzerland

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Pope Francis warns of irreversible climate change

Months later, there was a breakthrough in UN climate talks in Paris, with nearly every nation on Earth committing to limit warming to “well below” two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels…reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis warned Wednesday the world “is collapsing” due to global warming, urging participants of the upcoming COP28 climate talks to agree to binding policies on phasing out fossil fuels. Eight years after his landmark thesis outlined the devastation of manmade climate change, the 86-year-old pontiff published a follow-up that warned that some damage was “already irreversible”.

“With the passage of time, I have realised that our responses have not been adequate, while the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point,” he wrote in the 12-page letter.

But he said the next round of UN climate talks opening in Dubai on November 30 “can represent a change of direction”, if participants make binding agreements on moving from fossil fuels to clean energy sources such as wind and solar.

Only a real commitment to change “can enable international politics to recover its credibility”, wrote the pope.

His 200-page encyclical in 2015, entitled “Laudato Si” (“Praise Be To You”), was a global call to arms to protect the Earth and sparked debate unprecedented for a religious text, including commentaries in scientific journals.

Months later, there was a breakthrough in UN climate talks in Paris, with nearly every nation on Earth committing to limit warming to “well below” two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But the UN warned last month the world is not on track to meet these goals, while climate monitors predict 2023 will be the hottest in human history, with the Northern Hemisphere’s summer marked by heatwaves, droughts and wildfires.

In Wednesday’s document, entitled “Laudate Deum” (Praise God), Pope Francis expressed hope that the forthcoming COP28 “will allow for a decisive acceleration of energy transition, with effective commitments subject to ongoing monitoring”.

He referenced concerns about the UN talks being held in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, noting that while it was a “great exporter of fossil fuels” it also made “significant investments” in renewable energy sources.

“To say that there is nothing to hope for would be suicidal, for it would mean exposing all humanity, especially the poorest, to the worst impacts of climate change,” wrote Pope Francis.

The 2015 text stated clearly that humanity was to blame for global warming — a message the pope said he felt required to repeat due to the power of climate scepticism.

On Wednesday, he described “certain dismissive and scarcely reasonable opinions that I encounter, even within the Catholic Church”.

“Despite all attempts to deny, conceal, gloss over or relativise the issue, the signs of climate change are here and increasingly evident,” he wrote.

Climate change has been a major theme of Pope Francis’ ten years as head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics, and he has drawn on science but also offered a strong moral message.

In his 2015 text, the pope blamed a pursuit of economic growth for the destruction of the planet and warned rich countries must lead the way in repairing the damage.

In Wednesday’s text, he said that “regrettably, the climate crisis is not exactly a matter that interests the great economic powers, whose concern is with the greatest profit”.

ALSO READ-Pope Francis renews call for violence to stop in Sudan

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‘We Are Not Powerless To Tackle Climate Crisis’

COP28 President-Designate called on the world to be “brave” and “bold” and get “back on track” to meet its climate ambitions…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate, addressed today the UN Climate Ambition Summit in New York, where he reminded the international community that “we are not powerless” to overcome the climate crisis and urged the world to “get after gigatons”.

The summit, which is the landmark climate engagement during the United Nations General Assembly and was convened by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, was attended by world leaders, the private sector and civil society.

During his speech, the President-Designate called on the world to be “brave” and “bold” and get “back on track” to meet its climate ambitions, reaffirming the founding principles of the UN and to think “beyond borders, beyond politics, and beyond our own lifetimes.” He emphasised that “climate change is our common enemy, and we must unite to fight it”.

Dr. Al Jaber pointed to recent data from the first Global Stocktake, which confirmed that “the world is falling short, and we are running out of time” but was emphatic in stating that it is not too late to change course. Indeed, he challenged the world to respond to the Global Stocktake with the highest levels of ambition, noting that “We know the size of the problem. The numbers are straightforward: 22 gigatons. That’s the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we need to cut in the next seven years to keep 1.5 within reach.”

Dr. Al Jaber went on to speak of the need for the international community to “remember that we are not powerless. As we have seen throughout history, when we act with optimism, urgency and solidarity, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges.”

He continued to share his belief that “in the face of the climate crisis, we can – and we will – rediscover humanity’s greatest strength: our capacity to collaborate, to overcome differences, and to harness the power of collective action.”

Dr. Al Jaber’s speech at the UN Climate Ambition Summit comes just 71 days before COP28, the global climate summit in the UAE. Dr. Al Jaber noted, “We are working tirelessly to advance an ambitious climate agreement between all 198 Parties. However, climate change won’t be solved through agreement alone. It can only truly be addressed through Action. That’s precisely what we aim to achieve through the COP28 Action Agenda.”

Dr. Al Jaber went on to detail the COP28 Presidency’s ‘Action Agenda’ to get the world “back on track” to meet the ambitions set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. He called on those present and listening across the world to make actionable commitments across its key pillars: to fast-tracking a just and orderly energy transition, fix climate finance, focus on lives and livelihoods, and underpin everything with full inclusivity.

Fast Tracking Energy Transition

Speaking of the COP28 Presidency’s plan to fast-track a just, orderly, and well-managed energy transition, Dr. Al Jaber told the audience that the “phase-down of fossil fuels is essential. It is in fact inevitable. And it must go hand-in-hand with a rapid phase up of zero-carbon alternatives.”

Dr. Al Jaber called on Parties to do their part towards a “massive expansion of renewable energy” and triple global capacity by 2030. He also emphasised the power of energy efficiency improvements as “the simplest cheapest and fastest way to dial down emissions.”

He then called for all to be “brutally honest about what it will take to transition heavy emitting sectors” which cannot run on renewables alone, while noting the need to develop the entire hydrogen value chain.

Dr. Al Jaber also stressed the need to “rapidly and comprehensively decarbonise the energies we use today,” before reiterating his previous calls on the oil and gas industry to eliminate methane emissions by 2030 and align with net zero by or before 2050.

Fixing Climate Finance

Addressing the COP28 plan to fix climate finance, Dr. Al Jaber spoke of the need to restore trust between Parties and for contributing countries to deliver the $100 billion pledge this year. He then stressed the need to go “much further” and noted that “if we are to unlock trillions, we need to unleash the full potential of private capital.”

Dr. Al Jaber called for reform of “outdated international financial institutions”, and for “smart innovation across the financial system and better-functioning carbon markets.” In summary, Dr. Al Jaber noted that the objective was to “create an ecosystem where finance is more available, more accessible and more affordable, so that the money flows to where it needs to go – to the people who need it most.”

Focusing on People, Lives and Livelihoods

Dr. Al Jaber spoke of the urgent need to put “people, lives and livelihoods” at the centre of climate discussions. He noted that “people everywhere want the same things: clean water, clean air, economic opportunity, safety in the storm.” He then called for countries to “embed nature-positive investments in national climate strategies” and for “a smarter approach to how we grow and consumer food.” He also noted that COP28 would be the first COP to put global health on the COP agenda.

He acknowledged that “the key to all these measures will be finance.” He therefore called on countries to “double adaptation finance by 2025, replenish the Green Climate Fund, and operationalise the fund for Loss and Damage with early pledges.”

Full Inclusivity

Discussing the COP28 priority to underpin all climate action with full inclusivity, Dr. Al Jaber called on everyone to “put our differences aside and start partnering for progress.” He asked that “everyone who comes to COP28 to come with results in mind”, particularly key stakeholders, such as negotiators, the private sector and world leaders.

He stressed this would be the most inclusive COP yet, with plans to facilitate the participation of all groups, including subnational leaders, youth, businesses, philanthropists, Indigenous Peoples, and others.

Dr. Al Jaber concluded his speech by calling on leaders to “turn pledges into projects and ambition into action”.

He continued, “Let’s be brave. Let’s be bold. Let’s go after gigatons, Let’s activate a truly global response to the global stocktake… and let’s unite… let’s act… and let’s deliver.”

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Global Leaders Gather in New York to Address Development and Climate Change

The General Assembly meeting is more political and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will figure prominently there…reports Asian Lite News

 Presidents, prime ministers, princes and monarchs begin their annual gathering in New York on Monday focusing on development and climate change, while the harrowing Ukraine War which the world body is powerless to stop hovers over them.

The two issues are primary concerns of the Global South, many countries of which face a severe financial crunch in meeting the challenges, while their problems have been exacerbated by the Covid pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will push the industrialised countries to increase their funding for the causes of development and climate change.

They start their week of packed programmes on Monday with the summit on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 17 lofty ambitions hoping to cure the world’s ills from poverty and hunger to climate change and inequality, while bringing about peace and justice by 2030.

Guterres said that he considers the SDGs meeting “my most important objective” for the week.

“I’m very hopeful that the SDG Summit will indeed represent a quantum leap in the response to the dramatic failures that we have witnessed until now in relation to the implementation of the SDGs”, he said at a news conference previewing the high-level week.

The SDGs were adopted by world leaders in 2015 and as they meet on Monday halfway to 2030, they will find most are unreachable by the deadline and will need reinvigorated commitments, especially from the industrialised nations.

Symbolically, this meeting starts a day before the traditional General Assembly meeting which will begin by tradition on Tuesday, with the first address by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, to be followed by President Joe Biden.

Biden will be the only top leader of a permanent member of the Security Council this week at the UN.

Presidents Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia and Emmanuel Macron of France, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain are skipping the summits, as is Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India.

Asked about the striking absences of the leaders of the Council permanent members, Guterres said, “This is not a vanity fair”.

What matters is not their presence, but their governments’ commitments, he said.

The General Assembly meeting is more political and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will figure prominently there.

President Volodymyr Zelensky will be there in person this time – a much-adulated figure – after having been given a special dispensation last year to speak through a video link.

He will speak during the opening session of the Assembly meeting, and the next day at the Council’s meeting on Ukraine, where he will likely come face to face with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as he makes his
stinging denunciation of Moscow.

The spotlight turns next to climate change on Wednesday.

Guterres convened the Climate Ambition Summit to turbocharge action and funding to meet what he has repeatedly called the “existential threat” to humanity.

He has demanded that all leaders, especially those from the industrialised countries, leave aside rhetoric and come with concrete plans and commitment for keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“This is not a time for posturing or positioning.  This is not a time for indifference or indecision. This is a time to come together for real, practical solutions”, he said.

As with development, Guterres seeks to involve the private sector in fighting climate change.

Representatives of businesses will be participating at several events throughout the week on the two topics.

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Heat, Flames, Floods: Summer 2023’s Triple Threat

Heat, wildfires, floods make summer of 2023 ‘a summer of extremes’

The summer of 2023 is “a summer of extremes” due to the scorching heat, wildfires and floods that have resulted in major damage to people’s health and the environment, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said.

Clare Nullis, spokesperson for the WMO, said at a press briefing here on Friday that dangerous weather, including intense heat and devastating rainfall, has impacted large parts of the world in this “summer of extremes”, reports Xinhua news agency

She said many new station temperature records around the world were broken in July, and the start of August also saw a winter heat wave in parts of South America.

In a series of updates on extreme weather, WMO said earlier this week that many countries like France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Algeria and Tunisia all reported new maximum daytime and overnight station temperature records.

Large parts of the US have also been gripped by extensive heat waves.

“We need to broaden focus beyond maximum temperatures because the minimum temperature is most important for health and critical infrastructure,” said WMO extreme heat senior advisor John Nairn.

WMO pointed out that heatwaves are among the deadliest natural hazards with thousands of people dying from heat-related causes each year, while the full impact of a heatwave is often not known until weeks or months afterwards.

According to WMO, sea surface temperatures of the Mediterranean are set to be exceptionally high in the coming days and weeks, exceeding 30 degrees Celsius in some parts, and more than 4 degrees Celsius above average in a large part of the western Mediterranean.

WMO believes that the impacts of marine heatwaves include migration of species and extinctions, arrival of invasive species with consequences for fisheries and aquaculture.

A wildfire is seen in Riverside County of Southern California, the United States.(Xinhua/IANS)

Speaking at Friday’s press briefing, the WMO spokesperson also said that Canada is experiencing its worst wildfire season on record.

In Canada, record-breaking wildfires continue to burn big forest areas.

More than 650 wildfires were out of control as of July 24.

And earlier this week WMO said wildfires had forced evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists on the Greek islands of Rhodes, Evia and Corfu since July 17.

The emissions of these wildfires have reached record levels.

Heavy rains and flooding also caused severe damage and loss of life in parts of the world.

India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel during the rescue operation of people stuck in the flood-affected Rishi Colony area after heavy monsoon rains caused rapid rise in the water level of Badi Nadi river, in Patiala. (ANI Photo)

“As the planet warms, the expectation is that we will see more and more intense, more frequent, more severe rainfall events, leading also to more severe flooding,” said Stefan Uhlenbrook, director of hydrology, water and cryosphere at WMO.

WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas noted that “the extreme weather — an increasingly frequent occurrence in our warming climate — is having a major impact on human health, ecosystems, economies, agriculture, energy and water supplies”.

“This underlines the increasing urgency of cutting greenhouse gas emissions as quickly and as deeply as possible,” said Taalas.

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Biden likely to permanently block Grand Canyon mining

The White House previously announced that the President Biden would make climate change and his environmental agenda a focus of his stops on Arizona tour.

US President Joe Biden is leaning toward designating a vast area near the Grand Canyon as a national monument to safeguard it from uranium mining, a media report said.

“Leaders of local tribes and environmentalists have spent years lobbying to protect areas near the park from potential uranium mining, which they say would threaten aquifers and water supplies,” Xinhua news agency quoted The Washington Post report as saying citing sources.

“They have asked Washington to double the protected area around the canyon by including 1.1 million acres of public lands in a Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.”

According to the report, Biden will embark on a tour through Arizona next week.

The White House previously announced that the President would make climate change and his environmental agenda a focus of his stops on the tour.

Federal officials have started telling tribal and environmental groups to be available for a potential Grand Canyon announcement early next week, which would fall during Biden’s travel, said the report.

“No decisions have been made,” White House spokesman Abdullah Hasan said in an email.

“But I can tell you that President Biden has conserved more land and water in his first year than any president since JFK, and his climate protection record is unmatched.”

Uranium deposits sit deep within sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone layers across the US Southwest.

In the Grand Canyon region, uranium ore is found in geologic features called breccia pipes.

Uranium mining near Grand Canyon National Park began in the 1950s at Orphan Mine. At least eight uranium mines have operated near the park, including the active Canyon Mine.

Since 2012, a 20-year mineral withdrawal has blocked new efforts to mine uranium on 1 million acres of public lands surrounding the Grand Canyon.

But the relief is temporary.

As of May 2022, there were still nearly 600 mining claims on national forest and other public lands around the Grand Canyon.

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UNFCCC, COP28 urge G20 to take lead in climate change mitigation

They also called on the G20 to show that it can deliver for the most climate vulnerable, including the least developed countries and small island developing states…reports Asian Lite News

COP28 President-designate Sultan Al Jaber and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) executive secretary Simon Stiell on Thursday called upon G20 nations to take a greater leadership role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

With only 125 days to go, the leaders issued a joint statement on the sidelines of the G20 ministerial meeting in Chennai, calling on G20 nations to “lead the way” on delivering a positive outcome on mitigation at the COP28 climate conference this year.

“The science demands a strong mitigation outcome at COP28 that drives a significant reduction in emissions and builds on the progress of previous COPs, and we call on the G20 to lead the way on the basis of both science and equity and lay the path to a strong and credible outcome that provides developing countries with the basis to undertake a just transition,” the leaders said in the statement.

“Together, we must take necessary steps to accelerate the inevitable phase-down of all fossil fuels in a responsible manner, in order to have an energy system free of unabated fossil fuels by the middle of this century while enabling access for all and promoting sustainable development,” they said in the statement, which reiterated the importance of tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements across sectors by 2030.

While the discussions at the G20 Energy Ministerial considered energy transition and aligning current pathways with the Paris Goals, the outcome did not provide a sufficiently clear signal for transforming global energy systems, scaling up renewable and clean energy sources and responsibly phasing down fossil fuels.

“It is our hope that any progress achieved by the G20 drives decisively a strong outcome at COP28 under the Global Stocktake and capitalizes on the Just Transition Work Programme established at COP27 to ensure that this transition is fair, leaves no one behind and supports the broad development challenges faced by developing countries in launching this transition,” the statement added.

The leaders also urged G20 nations to raise the importance of defining a Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) and operationalizing the loss and damage fund and funding arrangements “to an equal level, to ensure that the human face of the climate change is at the center of all our decisions.” Adaptation finance must be doubled urgently, the leaders said.

“The G20 must affirm its commitment to achieve the operationalization of the fund and funding arrangements. Those at the frontline of climate change need our support now, not in 5 years’ time. This is the benchmark for ambition,” they said in the statement.

They also called on the G20 to show that it can deliver for the most climate vulnerable, including the least developed countries and small island developing states.

Delivering on the 2030 agenda will depend on making climate finance more available, affordable and accessible to developing countries, the leaders state. “Climate finance arrangements will need to be transformed to deliver at the necessary scale, to work better as a system and to support private finance mobilization at unprecedented levels.”

The leaders also called on G20 nations “to urgently prioritize your revised commitments, whether NDCs, NAPs or on climate finance, including contributions to the ambitious replenishment of the GCF to align with the Paris Goals.”

“We must leave Chennai on the right path and with a clear signal that the political will to tackle the climate crisis and launch a new era of development is within our grasp, because it is only a short path to COP28. Every meeting counts, every outcome must bring us closer. The world needs its leaders to unite, act and deliver; and that must start with the G20,” the statement concluded.

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India commits to 50% non-fossil power by 2030

Prime Minister Modi said India has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance, reports Asian Lite News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India would achieve the target of generating 50% of its electricity from non-fossil fuels by 2030 as part of the stepped up war against climate change.

Addressing the G20 Energy Ministers meeting in Goa via video on Saturday, the Prime Minister said India has shown leadership in climate action and achieved its non-fossil installed electric capacity target nine years in advance.

He pointed out that India is among the global leaders in solar and wind power and is making great efforts in green growth and energy transition.

“For decarbonizing India, we are working on a mission mode on Green Hydrogen as an alternative. The aim is to make India a global hub for the production, use, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives. We are happy to share our learnings,” PM Modi said.

India is the most populated nation and the fastest-growing large economy in the world yet the country is moving strongly on its climate commitments, the Prime Minister pointed out.

PM Modi said that the world looks to the G20 countries to advance sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive, and clean energy transition and urged the ministers to ensure that the Global South is not left behind.

“We must ensure low-cost finance for developing countries. We must find ways to bridge technology gaps, promote energy security, and work on diversifying supply chains. And, we must strengthen collaboration on fuels for the future,” PM Modi said.

“The High-level Principles on Hydrogen are a step in the right direction. Transnational grid interconnections can enhance energy security. We are promoting this mutually beneficial cooperation with our neighbours in this region. And I can tell you, we are seeing encouraging results. Realizing the vision of inter-connected green grids can be transforming,” the Prime minister explained.

“It will enable all of us to meet our climate goals, stimulate green investment, and create millions of green jobs. I invite you all to join the Green Grids Initiative – ”One Sun, One World, One Grid of the International Solar Alliance,” he remarked.

PM Modi also highlighted the fact that caring for the environment was part of India’s culture and traditional wisdom. He emphasised his vision of Mission LiFE which is a Lifestyle for Environment that will make each individual a climate champion and the fight against global warming a mass movement.

“No matter how we transition, our thoughts and actions must always help preserve our ”One Earth”, protect the interests of our ”One Family”, and move towards a Green One Future.” PM Modi remarked.

Highlighting the other measures that have been undertaken to reduce India’s carbon footprint, the Prime Minister said more than 119 million families in the country have got LPG connections in the last nine years. “We have also achieved the historic milestone of connecting every village to electricity,” he said.

“In 2015, we began a small movement, by launching a scheme for the use of LED lights, this became the largest LED distribution programme in the world. Saving more than 45 billion units of energy per year,” the prime minister said.

He said that India’s domestic electrical vehicle market is projected to reach 10 million units of annual sales by 2030.

“We have commenced the rollout of 20 per cent ethanol blended petrol this year. Our aim is to cover the entire country by 2025,” he said.

Energy Ministers from G20 member countries, nine invited countries and high-ranking officials from 14 international organizations are attending the Ministerial meeting In Goa under India’s presidency.

(India Narrative)

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