Delegates convene in UAE this week for the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, with heightened expectations for the inaugural global stocktake assessing progress towards climate goals.

Encouragingly, despite past delays, rich nations commit to the long-awaited $100 billion climate aid pledge. The event, from November 30 to December 12 in Dubai, focuses on urgent actions by 2030 to curb emissions and foster climate resilience, with industry leaders and global figures engaging in negotiations.

On the inaugural day of the UN climate conference (COP28), over 195 nations, including India, reached a landmark decision to activate the awaited 'loss and damage' fund. This sets a noteworthy tone for the annual meeting preceding the World Climate Action Summit.

India's Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav hailed the decision to operationalise the Fund as a "positive signal of momentum." Describing it as a "landmark," he affirmed India's strong support for the move adopted in the conference's opening plenary. The Loss and Damage Fund will cater to developing nations, prioritising Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States with a designated minimum allocation.

Representatives from almost 200 nations will convene in Dubai for the COP28 climate summit this week. The United Arab Emirates, hosting the conference as an OPEC member, aims to present a low-carbon future that embraces fossil fuels.

International discord on addressing global warming is expected, with debates on prioritising coal, oil, and gas phase-outs versus advancing technologies like carbon capture to reduce their climate impact.

Five nations and the EU have committed over $420 million to initiate a groundbreaking "loss and damage" fund, aiding developing nations in coping with climate change. This achievement at COP28 in Dubai follows a COP27 agreement in Egypt last year, but disputes over hosting, contributors, and beneficiaries persisted.

Developing country negotiator and special climate envoy to Barbados, Avinash Persaud said it was a “hard-fought historic agreement”. “It shows recognition that climate loss and damage is not a distant risk but part of the lived reality of almost half of the world’s population,” he said.

Amid the current climate crisis, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports a deteriorating ecosystem. In a recent address in London, the IPCC Chair unequivocally attributes climate change to human activities. Small states, like Barbados, grapple with the immediate impacts and advocate for climate justice, there is a need to operationalise the Barbados-led Bridgetown Initiative, align World Trade Organisation rules with climate commitments, honour existing agreements like the Green Climate Fund replenishment, address global debt forgiveness for small states, and explore innovative mechanisms.

Additionally, individual actions play a crucial role in achieving climate justice, emphasising the collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations. Read more...