The pressing matter of addressing climate change, primarily caused by the use of fossil fuels, holds prominence at the COP28 climate change summit in Dubai. As the initial agreement faces some critique, the global community eagerly seeks to ascertain whether a resolute commitment to tackle climate change will be forged in the eventual agreement.
The draft document, which was released on Monday, has sparked disagreement among more than 100 of the nearly 200 nations involved. Fossil fuels, widely acknowledged as a major contributor to climate change and extreme weather events, lie at the centre of this controversy. Critics argue that the lack of a clear demand for the gradual reduction of fossil fuels undermines the necessary dedication to effectively address climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), approximately 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to the combustion of fossil fuels.
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The controversy surrounding the conference arose due to perceived links to fossil fuel interests. COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber, who is the head of a state oil company, was appointed as the presiding officer and this decision has faced criticism. Particularly concerning is his previous challenge of climate change science in a video. These connections give rise to questions regarding the summit's commitment to combating climate change. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that climate change will result in an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050, primarily due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhoea, and heat stress.
COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber (PC:X )
The issue of addressing the role of fossil fuels in climate change is of great importance and requires immediate attention. As negotiations progress, various stakeholders are discussing the future path in the battle against climate change. The outcome of COP28 is widely recognized as crucial for global endeavours in creating a sustainable future. According to NASA, 2021 has been acknowledged as one of the hottest years on record, underscoring the urgent necessity for effective climate action.
Youth Activism:
In a surprising twist at COP28, there was a notable presence of 12-year-old climate activist Licypriya Kangujam, who captured the spotlight through a courageous protest. Displaying a sign that conveyed the message "We must put an end to fossil fuels to safeguard our planet and secure our future," Licypriya's urgent plea resonates on a global scale. Despite potential consequences such as detention and expulsion, her actions highlight the valuable contributions of diverse voices in shaping the outcomes of COP28. According to the World Economic Forum, climate change's repercussions could incur a staggering cost of $360 billion per year for the global economy by 2030.
As the controversies and protests continue, COP28 encounters a crucial juncture. The destiny of the agreement is delicately poised, emphasizing the importance of a firm dedication to gradually eliminating fossil fuels for a sustainable and resilient future. Given the undeniable urgency for decisive measures, the world is observing whether COP28 will successfully implement the requisite measures to tackle the global climate crisis.
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