Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the President-designate of Cop28 and Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, unveiled a comprehensive plan based on four pillars aimed at driving significant progress in addressing climate change. Speaking at a climate meeting in Brussels, Dr Al Jaber emphasized the need for a “science-based, action-oriented” approach to disrupt business as usual and achieve transformative results.The first pillar of the plan focuses on fast-tracking the energy transition. Countries will be urged to expand clean power sources, enhance energy efficiency, and utilize various emission-reducing tools such as nuclear power and battery storage. Specific goals include tripling renewable energy output, doubling energy efficiency measures, and increasing hydrogen production to 180 million tonnes per year by 2030. Dr Al Jaber also emphasized the importance of oil companies zeroing out methane emissions by 2030.The second pillar addresses climate finance. Dr Al Jaber highlighted the need for comprehensive transformation in the global financial system to make finance more accessible and affordable for climate-related initiatives. He called for doubling funding for adaptation by 2025 and emphasized the importance of meeting the long-delayed commitment to arrange $100 billion of annual climate funding for developing countries. Plans for a global fund to address climate loss and damage are also being finalized.The third pillar adopts a human-centered approach focusing on lives and livelihoods, encompassing nature, food, health, and resilience. Cop28 will be the first UN climate conference to dedicate daily topics to health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization and other countries. Transforming threatened food systems and integrating food-related issues into national emissions plans are seen as essential enablers of climate action.Inclusivity forms the fourth pillar of the plan, with full engagement of every person, generation, and corner of society considered crucial for success. The Cop28 presidency aims to involve indigenous groups and youth delegates, recognizing their concerns and wisdom in protecting biodiversity and advocating for climate action.Dr Al Jaber called on global leaders to pursue supercharged solutions and ambitious outcomes at Cop28, emphasizing the significance of collective action and solidarity. The summit, taking place in November, will feature a global stocktake to assess progress in limiting climate change. Dr Al Jaber urged countries to update their emissions plans by September to align with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, which he identified as the “north star” of the plan.As preparations for Cop28 continue, the urgency of the climate crisis becomes increasingly apparent, with record global temperatures being observed. The UAE presidency’s efforts to raise climate finance and set a new direction for global action have been recognized positively by experts and international leaders.The upcoming summit in Dubai provides a crucial opportunity for global leaders to address the climate crisis comprehensively and chart a path forward that inspires hope and meaningful change. The success of Cop28 ultimately rests on the collective actions and commitment of all participating countries.
