COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: the COP Troika at the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial on Thursday, where he addressed global climate leaders an ministers.
This concept brings together the leadership of the three COP meetings – COP28, COP29, and COP30 – to propel climate action. This Troika signifies collaboration, aiming to bridge the gap between conferences and ensure sustained momentum towards achieving the critical 1.5°C temperature target.
UAE Consensus: Uniting for climate goals
The first of its kind initiative was agreed to in the UAE Consensus and aims to collaboratively achieve set goals. Dr. Al Jaber said, “Countries set aside self-interest for the common good and united around the common goal of keeping 1.5°C within reach.”
“This Troika will help to ensure that the next crucial round of Nationally Determined Contributions are in line with keeping our collective North Star of 1.5°C within reach,” he explained.
A joint letter issued by the Troika to all participating nations emphasises this objective. It urges countries to submit “high ambition NDCs” aligned with the UAE Consensus by early 2025. NDCs, or Nationally Determined Contributions, are national plans outlining specific climate action goals.
Dr. Al Jaber stressed the critical role NDCs play in achieving the 1.5°C target. He called for “economy-wide” NDCs that encompass all greenhouse gases. This comprehensive approach must also include methane, a potent greenhouse gas with significant warming potential.
Furthermore, Dr. Al Jaber urged countries to aim for a 60 percent reduction in emissions by 2035 compared to 2019 levels.
The president called to “follow the science” and ensure energy transition pathways are “just, orderly and responsible”.
While emissions reduction is paramount, climate action must also focus on adaptation. Dr. Al Jaber underscored the need for robust National Adaptation Plans that prioritise crucial areas such as food security, water resource management, nature conservation, and public health.
However, effective adaptation requires adequate funding. Dr. Al Jaber emphasised this point, “critically, they must be well funded,” he said.
Loss and Damage Fund: COP28 milestone
The COP28 President highlighted a significant achievement at COP28 – the establishment of a dedicated fund for Loss and Damage. This fund aims to address the devastating impacts of climate change already being felt by developing countries who have contributed the least to the problem.
The creation of this fund marks a “trust-building breakthrough,” fostering greater international cooperation on climate action. Dr. Al Jaber called upon all nations with the capacity to do so to contribute substantially to this vital fund.
Looking ahead, Dr. Al Jaber emphasided the need to move beyond discussion and translate commitment into concrete action. A crucial step in this direction is a comprehensive redesign of the global financial system to align with climate goals.
He extended an invitation to all parties to attend the upcoming UAE Climate Finance Forum in Abu Dhabi. This forum will serve as a platform to develop a “climate finance architecture” capable of unlocking the trillions of dollars needed for a transition to a green economy.
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