Polski
For the next few days, the world’s attention will be focused on the United Arab Emirates, host of the 28th UAE, which was inaugurated yesterday. Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Expo City in Dubai. This unique event brought together leaders, climate negotiators and representatives of civil society and the private sector from around the world. For 12 intensive days, key issues related to the fight against progressive climate change and efforts to keep global warming below 1.5°C – in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement – will be considered. COP28 provides a platform for negotiation, cooperation and coordinated action.
Why is the COP28 conference so important?
The climate conference taking place from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai is a continuation of a series of annual meetings held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which came into force in 1994. These gatherings, are key moments in global efforts to curb climate change and adaptation efforts. The meetings negotiate and agree on specific measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
Climate projects are now more urgent than ever, especially in the Gulf region. The Middle East and North Africa are the areas most affected by water shortages, and temperatures there could rise by as much as 4°C by 2050. By the end of this century, the effects of climate change could cause up to half of the world’s population(3 to 6 billion people) to be forced to leave their homes due to the occurrence of extreme weather events.
President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, during his keynote address at COP28, stressed the importance of unity, collective action and multilateralism. Addressing 70 ministers and more than 100 national delegates present in his message, he pointed out: The world must make additional efforts and seize the opportunity of COP28 to take concrete action and move closer to achieving the goal of keeping temperature rise to 1.5°C.
COP28 – structure of the conference
COP28 is divided into two main zones for talks and negotiations:
- Blue Zone. This is the place where formal international negotiations take place. Here, national delegates negotiate and agree on commitments related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. The Blue Zone is the heart of the conference, where key climate decisions are made.
- Green Zone. Managed by the UAE COP28 Presidency, it is a space where non-accredited delegates, civil society, youth, the private sector and other organizations can participate in the dialogue on climate action. It’s a place where innovation, technology and entrepreneurship play an important role in the fight against climate change.
First decision on the opening day of COP28
Only the first day of the conference is behind us, and already a key agreement has been reached on the creation of a fund to support the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries experiencing the effects of climate disasters. The case has finally reached a finale after difficult and lengthy negotiations.
Today we created history – this is the first time a decision has been adopted on the first day of any COP,” said COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber.
The United Arab Emirates, like Germany, has announced its support of $100 million for the startup fund, the United Kingdom has committed £40 million to the fund and an additional £20 million for other important initiatives, Japan has pledged a contribution of $10 million, and the United States has donated $17.5 million.
The Loss and Damage Fund will be a lifesaver in people’s darkest hour, enabling families to rebuild their homes after natural disasters, support farmers when their crops are destroyed, and relocate those permanently displaced by rising sea levels. The result was difficult, but represents a clear step forward. – Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO of the World Resources Institute.
The success of this fund will depend on the speed and scale at which funds begin to flow to those in need. We call on world leaders to announce at COP28 substantial contributions – not only to cover start-up costs, but also to the fund itself. In 2030. Residents of vulnerable countries will face $580 million in climate damages, a figure that will continue to rise.- Ani Dasgupta.
COP28 opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of COP28 takes place today. The event brought together more than 160 heads of state, including Britain’s King Charles III. Also present at the ceremony are UN Secretary General António Guterres and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as leaders of developing countries.
The next 10 days of the conference will be filled with intense discussions on measures to prevent exceeding the dangerous warming limit. Gaston Browne, Antigua’s prime minister, said: This year’s heat shows what the small island developing states have been saying for a long time, that a 1.5°C warming will not be easy, so we cannot pat ourselves on the back and say: well done for finally agreeing on this issue. The earth is warming, and further warming will cause pain and suffering, and more importantly, it is happening faster than we expected. We all need to stop burning fossil fuels at the current rate and start planting trees as if our lives depended on it.
