Sultan Al Jaber Accelerates Climate Action with Four-Pillar Plan for COP28

COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber has urged governments, industries, and stakeholders to “disrupt business as usual” and take immediate action to address the climate crisis. His remarks came during the Ministerial on Climate Action held in Brussels, organized by the environment ministers of the European Union, Canada, and China. Dr. Al Jaber, who also serves as the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, emphasized the need to challenge outdated financial models and dismantle barriers within industries and governments that hinder progress towards a low-carbon economy.

Dr. Al Jaber outlined a comprehensive four-pillar plan, developed from insights gathered during a six-month global engagement tour involving governments, businesses, civil society, NGOs, activists, youth, and Indigenous Peoples. The plan aims to fast-track the transition to renewable energy, reform climate finance, enhance adaptation strategies, and ensure inclusivity in climate action.

Fast-Tracking the Transition

Dr. Al Jaber stressed the importance of an integrated approach that simultaneously addresses supply and demand. He called for a tripling of renewable energy production and a doubling of hydrogen production by 2030. He also urged oil and gas companies to diversify into clean energy solutions.

In preparation for COP28, Dr. Al Jaber encouraged countries to update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to align with the Paris Climate Agreement. He stated, “We need to use every emission-busting tool available, including nuclear, battery storage, and carbon capture and removal technologies, especially for the hardest-to-abate sectors.”

Climate Finance

Dr. Al Jaber made a compelling case for a transformative approach to climate finance, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul rather than piecemeal reforms. He highlighted the necessity of supporting “climate-positive development” in the Global South to ensure that developing nations have access to affordable climate finance for a just transition.

The COP28 Presidency is collaborating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) to unlock capital markets, standardize voluntary carbon markets, and incentivize private investment. Dr. Al Jaber called on donor countries to double adaptation finance by 2025, stressing the urgency of fulfilling the US$100 billion pledge this year to assist the most vulnerable populations in coping with climate change.

Adaptation Strategies

Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the need to prioritize lives and livelihoods in climate discussions. He expressed his commitment to advancing global focus on nature, food security, health, and resilience as part of a robust framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation. He urged governments to integrate National Food System Transformation plans into their NDCs and National Adaptation plans.

Additionally, he announced plans for the first climate-health ministerial at COP28, which will focus on health issues on the inaugural day of the conference. This initiative is being organized in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and several nations, including Germany, Kenya, the UK, Egypt, Brazil, and Fiji.

Promoting Inclusivity

COP28 is set to be the most inclusive conference to date, featuring the largest youth climate delegate program, a dedicated pavilion for Indigenous Peoples, and a significant presence of mayors and local leaders who are actively driving climate action at the sub-national level.

Dr. Al Jaber invited all segments of society to participate in COP28, stating, “We need both activism and what I call actionism. We need everyone around the table to claim their rightful share of voice in the conversation and be ready to deliver a truly inclusive COP.”

He underscored the socio-economic benefits of climate action, asserting that it is essential to ensure energy access, security, and sustainability while also creating jobs and fostering prosperity. “We must make climate and economic progress simultaneously. It is not one or the other. It is both,” he stated.

Dr. Al Jaber concluded by emphasizing the potential for economic growth through climate action, asserting that if the right measures are implemented at scale, vast economic opportunities can be created globally.

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Published on 2023-07-13 14:46:00 • By the Editorial Desk