By Muhyideen Jimoh
COP28 President designate, Dr Sultan Al-Jaber and the EU Climate Commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra on Monday in Brussels underscored the need to fast track practical actions on climate change.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the two leaders released a joint statement outlining several key elements that will shape COP28 outcomes.
The 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) is scheduled for Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Nov.
30 to Dec.
12, where world leaders will discuss and agree on bold, practical, and ambitious solutions to the global climate challenge.
“COP28 must accelerate practical action on mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance and build a fully inclusive COP28 that leaves no one behind,” the statement said.
The two also praised the “very positive outcome” of talks earlier this month in Abu Dhabi on fully operationalising the Loss and Damage Fund.
Hoekstra said the EU is ready to announce a substantial financial contribution to the Fund during COP28.
“The Commissioner is ready to announce substantial financial contribution by the EU and its member states to the loss & damage fund at COP28 in the context of an ambitious outcome at COP28,” he said.
Al-Jaber hailed the commitment of the EU, noting that if implemented, the fund’s impact would affect “billions of people, lives, and livelihoods who are vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
”
According to the two, the successful completion of the global stocktake should mark a “turning point” on climate action.
They also emphasised the importance of COP28 sending a signal on a just energy transition that results in a 43 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030.
Hoekstra said that the commission is also planning to announce “a financial contribution in support of the COP28 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency pledge, and invites countries to do the same during the World Climate Action Summit.
”
The COP28 president and the commissioner “emphasised the need for significant progress on enhanced adaptation action that builds resilience and reduces vulnerability, with robust outcomes on the Global Goal on Adaptation at COP28.
”
They both agreed that “COP28 is a critical opportunity to show unity and restore faith in multilateralism in a world that is polarised through a positive, action-oriented engagement and outcomes.
”
Al-Jaber also met with the EU Foreign Affairs Council and spoke to the European Commission’s College of Commissioners on preparations for COP28.
(www.
nannews.
ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
World News