Go green: Cop28 president urges energy sector to champion green goals
You might have heard that Cop28 is coming to Dubai this November and will be a gathering of multiple world leaders, industry minds and business folks.
But here’s something new, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, President-designate of Cop28, issued a resounding call to arms on Sunday.
He called out to leaders from sectors including oil and gas, cement, steel, aluminium, and heavy transport to unite in accelerating the critical shift toward clean energy. Dr. Al Jaber's message was unequivocal: more must be done to safeguard our planet.
Here’s everything you need to know:
The event, hosted in Abu Dhabi, welcomed the esteemed presence of John Kerry, the U.S. special presidential envoy for climate change. Together, they emphasised the imperative for enhanced collaboration to realise our environmental objectives. At this pivotal juncture on the road to Cop28, the focus squarely rested on propelling global decarbonization efforts forward.
Distinguished figures from the energy and "hard-to-abate" sectors, such as transport, cement, steel, and aluminium, engaged in substantive discussions expertly moderated by Dr. Daniel Yergin, Vice Chairman of S&P Global and a recognized authority on energy, economy, and international politics.
Dr. Al Jaber underscored the urgency of the energy transition, stressing that decarbonization could be expedited through collective action. He articulated these sentiments at the Cop28 Changemakers’ Majlis event, aptly titled "Fast-Tracking the Energy Transition."
The event also enjoyed the esteemed presence of Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The pivot from conventional fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources is pivotal in our global mission to curb rising temperatures, reduce emissions, and safeguard the planet for generations to come. Mr. Kerry highlighted the paramount importance of eliminating methane pollution from the energy sector by the decade's end.
Dr. Al Jaber reiterated his belief that we are not currently on track to meet the mission of limiting global temperature increases to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, a 43 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 is imperative, and Dr. Al Jaber called for unwavering collaboration to attain it.
He emphasised that the combined production of oil, gas, cement, steel, and aluminium contributes to roughly one-quarter of global carbon emissions. These sectors, he argued, could magnify their impact on decarbonization through unified efforts spanning infrastructure, technology, policy, and finance.
Dr. Al Jaber concluded by urging the energy industry to play a more proactive role in the transition to cleaner energy sources. He challenged the industry to earn its seat at the climate change table through substantive contributions.
As the countdown to Cop28 intensifies, the UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to holding the world accountable for limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Dr. Al Jaber's impassioned plea resonates as a clarion call for the international community to rally around the North Star—keeping 1.5°C within reach.
The Cop28 climate conference, scheduled from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai, looms as a critical moment in our collective endeavour to protect the planet for future generations.
Want to know more about Cop28?
Let us share what you can expect, and if you’re unfamiliar with it - we’ll break it down:
What is COP28?
COP28 is a global event where leaders, officials, industry experts, and representatives from all over the world gather to discuss a very urgent topic: climate change. Imagine a huge gathering of decision-makers who come together to make key decisions about making the world a better place for its residents.
Why is COP28 happening?
It comes as no surprise that the world is getting warmer, and it's causing problems like extreme weather, melting ice, and rising sea levels, while also impacting the lives of many marine animals.
COP28 is like a giant brainstorming session to find solutions. The UAE is hosting this event to make sure that countries work together to fight climate change and come up with ways to make things better.
What will happen at COP28?
During the two-week event, people from different countries will talk about ways to combat global warming and how to adapt to the changes that are already happening. They will also discuss the "1.5°C temperature target." This target aims to limit the warming of the planet by a certain amount to prevent more climate issues.
Themes of COP28:
Technology & Innovation: Finding new and smarter ways to tackle climate change.
Inclusion: Making sure everyone, including different communities and countries, is part of the solution.
Frontline Communities: Helping those who are most affected by climate change.
Finance: Figuring out how to fund all the actions needed to fight climate change.
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