World Leaders Gather for COP28 Climate Conference in Dubai
World leaders convened in Dubai for the 28th United Nations Climate Conference, known as COP28, to address the urgent need to combat climate change. However, two of the most powerful leaders, US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping, were notably absent. The conference aimed to keep the planet from overheating due to human activities and saw more than 170 world leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, speak about the challenges of climate change.
Climate Action and Inequality
During the conference, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgent need for climate action, referring to the inequalities and conflicts exacerbated by climate change. He emphasized that global heating is causing financial crises, rising food prices, and energy market instability. Guterres urged leaders to address these issues and take action to prevent further climate chaos.
Jordan's King Abdullah also emphasized the connection between climate change and ongoing conflicts, stating that climate threats worsen the impacts of war. He called for inclusivity, particularly for vulnerable populations affected by both climate change and war.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how conflicts undermine our ability to tackle climate change and contribute to migration and resource competition. Kenya President William Ruto declared that climate change is the defining issue of our era and reiterated the conference's goals of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency.
Calls for Phasing Out Fossil Fuels
UN Secretary-General Guterres, a long-time critic of fossil fuels, criticized the oil, gas, and coal industries for their contribution to climate change. He argued that limiting global warming requires not just a reduction or abatement, but a complete phase-out of fossil fuel use. While the official conference president called for a "phase-down" of fossil fuels, 106 nations signed a statement calling for a phase-out.
British King Charles III warned of a "starker and darker world" unless leaders change course. He urged leaders to make ambitious decisions and recognize the urgency of the climate emergency. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, home to the Amazon rainforest, highlighted the need for climate justice for poorer nations and criticized the excessive spending on weapons instead of fighting hunger and climate change.
Despite these calls for action, both President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden were absent from the conference. Their deputies, Vice President Kamala Harris and China's First Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, attended in their place.
India's Initiatives and Green Credits Program
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in addition to addressing climate change, proposed that India host the climate talks in 2028. He also announced that India would spearhead a green credits program, allowing individuals and corporations to purchase credits to offset their emissions. Modi emphasized the importance of developing countries receiving their "fair share" in the global carbon budget and highlighted India's progress towards meeting its climate goals.
Many world leaders representing countries devastated by climate change impacts spoke at the conference, including Maldives, Pakistan, and Libya. However, the absence of the leaders of the two biggest carbon-polluting nations, China and the United States, raised concerns about their commitment to combating climate change.
