…..UN Climate Change chief outlines gains as COP28 ends
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) closed on Wednesday in Dubai with an agreement that signals the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era.
The agreement laid ground for a swift, just and equitable transition, underpinned by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance.
In a demonstration of global solidarity, negotiators from nearly 200 parties came together in the city with a decision on the world’s first ‘global stocktake’ to ratchet up climate action before the end of the decade.
The overarching aim is to keep the global temperature limit of 1.5°C within reach.
The UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell, spoke on the achievements.
“On this front, COP28 delivered some serious strides forward; progress has been made; tripling renewables and doubling energy efficiency.
“Operationalising the loss and damage fund, and making an initial – an initial – down payment.
“A framework for the Global Goal on Adaptation.
“I will leave the commentary and the analysis of all of that to you.”
Stiell said he looked forward to seeing the pledges at the conference converted into outcomes in the real economy.
He said that many initiatives announced at the conference were climate action lifelines, not the finish line.
“What I’m focused on is seeing these pledges converted into outcomes in the real economy, where the rubber really hits the road on climate action.
“COP28 also needed to signal a hard stop to humanity’s core climate problem – fossil fuels and their planet-burning pollution.
“Whilst we didn’t fully turn the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this is clearly the beginning of the end.
“At every stage climate action must stride forward side-by-side with human development, dignity and opportunities for all.
“We’ve heard the concerns from Samoa and all island states.
“Island States made it clear from the floor that this consensus does not go far enough to protect their populations and the planet.”
Stiell said that the fact the island states received the longest standing applause was a clear indication the views were widely shared.
“I also applaud this highest ambition, as I did in the plenary, where I also noted we are currently headed for just less than 3 degrees.
“This still equates to mass human suffering, which is why COP28 needed to move the needle forward,” Stiell said.
