In a historic decision at the beginning of the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, nearly 200 nations have come together to establish a fund aimed at assisting countries grappling with the effects of global warming.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Dubai last night, called for climate financing and technology transfer to aid developing nations in effectively confronting the challenges posed by climate change.
PM Modi’s Involvement at COP28
PM Modi’s engagement at COP28 goes beyond attending the World Climate Action Summit, as he is set to participate in three additional events.
As the United Arab Emirates assumes presidency over COP28, the summit will run from November 30 to December 12.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of COP28 as a platform to review progress made under the Paris Agreement and chart a course for future climate action.
The climate talks in Dubai come at a critical juncture as global emissions continue to surge. The UN recently announced that 2023 is on track to be the hottest year in recorded history, underscoring the urgency for immediate action.
The establishment of a “loss and damage” fund, which has long been advocated for by climate-vulnerable nations, marked an early victory at COP28.
However, initial commitments from the UAE and the European Union fall short of the $100 billion needed by developing nations to cope with the devastating effects of climate change.
COP28: The Biggest Climate Conference in History
COP28 is set to become the largest climate conference in history, with over 140 heads of state and government in attendance, double the number from last year’s COP27.
These high-level leaders will deliver speeches throughout the event, with Britain’s King Charles III officially opening the conference with a ceremonial address.
The United Arab Emirates aims to lead the way by spearheading an agreement to triple renewable energy capacity and double the annual pace of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
During the crucial negotiations from November 30 to December 12, experts warn that building trust among nations could prove to be a formidable obstacle.
On the sidelines of the summit, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas was originally scheduled to attend the COP28 but his office announced that the Palestinian foreign minister would attend in his place.
Notable Absences
Despite being the world’s two largest polluters, the United States and China will not have their leaders attending COP28.
However, in a rare display of unity, both nations have issued a joint climate declaration ahead of the conference.
Their absence at the event highlights the importance of global cooperation and commitment to combating climate change.
As PM Modi joins global leaders in Dubai for COP28, the significance of the climate accord reached by nearly 200 nations cannot be understated.
It is a step toward addressing the urgent need for immediate action to combat global warming and its devastating effects.
The establishment of a fund to aid countries struggling with the consequences of climate change is a significant milestone.
PM Modi’s presence and involvement at COP28 demonstrate his commitment to climate action and his dedication to empowering developing nations to effectively confront the challenges posed by climate change.