The nations is advocating for just transition pathways. These pathways aim to strengthen the global climate response within sustainable development frameworks, reports Chinedum Uwaegbulam.
The summit, starting Thursday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will focus on stepping up compliance with the Paris Agreement. Over 70,000 delegates, including Nigeria, are set to review the ‘Rule Book’ for addressing escalating climate challenges.
COP28 is a pivotal forum where nations discuss strategies to limit global temperature rise, support vulnerable communities, and strive for net-zero emissions by 2050. Participants include member states of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), business leaders, scientists, indigenous peoples, journalists, and other stakeholders.
The conference includes key sessions like the fifth session of the Paris Agreement’s decision-making body (CMA 5) and the 18th session of the Kyoto Protocol’s decision-making body (CMP 18). Additionally, the UNFCCC’s Subsidiary Bodies for Implementation (SBI) and Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) will also convene.
Key topics include establishing a loss and damage finance facility, achieving a global finance goal for developing countries, promoting energy transition, and closing the emissions gap.
This year’s COP28 is crucial as it marks eight years since the Paris Agreement, featuring the first Global Stocktake (GST). The GST assesses global progress since the Paris deal, identifying gaps and aligning efforts for effective climate action. Preliminary findings indicate that current efforts fall short of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
According to the Sun, The Africa Group of Negotiators (AGN), representing Nigeria and other African countries, will present Africa’s unified stance. Zambia, Ethiopia, and Kenya will coordinate the African delegation, focusing on adaptation, resilience, operationalizing the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA), and addressing loss and damage funding.
AGN Chair, Ephraim Shitima, emphasizes Africa’s commitment to multilateralism, equity, and sustainable development, guided by Agenda 2063 and other development frameworks.
Developed nations are urged to meet financial commitments, including the $100 billion annual pledge and advancing negotiations on a new quantified finance goal. The summit is also expected to address Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) reforms to better tackle climate challenges.
Director General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Salisu Dahiru, highlights Nigeria’s focus on securing funds for its Energy Transition Plan (ETP) and additional finance from the global north’s $100 billion pledge.
The summit comes as the latest Emissions Gap Report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) shows a significant gap in current pledges, underscoring the urgency for increased climate action.
