The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
DUBAI / WAM
The highest climate ambition means more jobs, stronger economies, stronger economic growth, less pollution, better health, said Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In a statement to journalists at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), Stiell said, “Negotiators have a chance, right here in Dubai over the next 24 hours, to start a new chapter — one that really delivers for people and planet.”
He added, “Ultimately it is 8 billion people’s security that is at stake,” noting that “science is the backbone of the Paris Agreement, especially when it comes to the world’s temperature goals and the planetary limit of 1.5. That centre must hold.” The Executive Secretary of UNFCCC emphasised the necessity for increased resilience, ensuring the protection of people worldwide from the imminent climate challenges. He urged for secure, affordable, and safe energy accessible to all, advocating for a renewable energy revolution, aiming to eliminate reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring no country or community is left behind.
Reiterating the critical role of finance, Simon Stiell stressed its fundamental importance in amplifying climate action across all spheres. “A new text will be landed shortly, within the next few minutes. But the areas where options need to be negotiated have narrowed significantly,” he stated. “We’ve gathered here to address two critical matters. Firstly, what level of ambition will drive our efforts in combating climate change? Secondly, are we fully committed to supporting this transition adequately? I assure you, from UN Climate Change’s perspective, we can attain the highest levels of ambition for both.” “The question remains,” he said, “how do we get, from here, a meaningful deal?”
“Firstly,” he added, “clear the unnecessary tactical blockades out of the way. And there have been many along this journey.” “Secondly,” he further emphasised, “The Global Stocktake needs to help all countries get out of this mess. Any strategic landmines that blow it up for one, blow it up for all.”
“We must be transparent,” he underscored, “The world is watching, as are 4000 members of the global media, and thousands of observers here in Dubai. There is nowhere to hide.”
“I urge negotiators to reject incrementalism,” he said, “Each back from the highest ambition will cost countless millions of lives, not in the next political or economic cycle, for future leaders to deal with, but right now, across every country.”
“Third”, he urged, “preserve and respect every Party’s seat at the table. Inclusion, representation, and transparency are key tenets of this process.” Finally, he said, “in this final quarter, it’s all eyes on the prize. That means highest ambition outcomes must stay front and centre.”
He said that the highest ambition outcomes are the only way for all governments to leave Dubai with a win under their belt. “One thing is for certain: ‘I win — you lose’ is a recipe for collective failure. Ultimately it is 8 billion people’s security that is at stake,” he noted. “Science is the backbone of the Paris Agreement, especially when it comes to the world’s temperature goals and the planetary limit of 1.5. That center must hold.”