Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President-elect of COP28 and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, stressed the need for unity at the upcoming important climate conference in Dubai.
Also read: What to expect at COP28 UAE.Everything you need to know about the climate conference
In the opening session of the Pre-Cop talks in Abu Dhabi on Monday, Dr Al Jaber called for global action to address the climate crisis, with the summit just weeks away.
COP28 organizers said the event in the capital attracted an unprecedented number of participants, with more than 100 delegates and around 70 ministers in attendance.
Dr Al Jaber highlighted the current divisions in the world and urged the international community to send a clear signal to help meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement. emphasized the importance of demonstrating competency.
Regarding the future of fossil fuels, which are the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions, Dr. Al Jaber acknowledged that there are differing opinions on the inclusion of language on fossil fuels and renewable energy in the negotiating text.
in front of #COP28, companies are calling on governments to tackle the burning of fossil fuels, the main cause of climate change. 🌎
— We Mean Business Coalition (@WMBtweets) October 24, 2023
He acknowledged that discussions continue about the “phasing out” or “phasing out” of fossil fuels in the final decision document of the Cop Summit.
Dr. Al Jaber urged all parties to work together and propose solutions that can achieve coordination, common ground and consensus. He emphasized the need for realism and the need to ensure that no one is left behind in the pursuit of these solutions.
#Silk road🌍🇦🇪 #United Arab Emirates: Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, @COP28_UAE president, and @JohnKerryU.S. Climate Envoy, held talks on: #Climate change #cooperationbeside #pre-copFor delivering ambitious results in #COP28 Opening on November 30th at Expo City #Dubai,United Arab Emirates.#mena#Asia pic.twitter.com/sB3SOrK4vM
— Silk Road News (@SilkRoadNews) October 31, 2023
Dr Al Jaber highlighted the role of the oil and gas sector, saying more than 20 companies in the industry had responded to Cop28’s call to eliminate methane emissions by 2030.
He expressed optimism about the growing number of companies joining this initiative, and said that other industries such as heavy transport, aluminium, steel and cement are joining forces to develop credible decarbonization plans. He noted continued engagement with emitting sectors.
Leaders will meet in Dubai from November 30 to December 12 to address the escalating climate emergency.
Also read: COP28: Health will be at the heart of the climate change debate, says Dr Al Jaber