COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber expressed optimism about the potential breakthroughs as the UN climate summit in Dubai approaches its conclusion.
He believes the event could mark a significant shift in climate action, focusing on scientifically-backed targets like maintaining global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Al Jaber emphasized the importance of centering vulnerable communities in these efforts during a press conference alongside ministers from various countries involved in the negotiations.
The Chief has been actively engaging with all parties, including stakeholders, businesses, and industries, to drive towards the best possible outcomes.
During COP28, he expressed hope that the parties would converge on agreed language concerning the reduction of fossil fuel use, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
Highlighting the urgency of reframing climate change not as a burden but as an opportunity, Al Jaber likened the situation to a new industrial revolution with potential for job creation and economic growth.
He called for a realistic and pragmatic approach, encompassing the entire value chain, not just finance but also policy. He stressed the need for accessible and affordable finance, allowing for the timely deployment of resources.
In the same vein, he called on the nations to speed up their work to find a final deal, saying there were currently more areas of divergence than agreement.
“There is some positive movement at the political level, and we need to channel that energy into speeding up the technical work,” Jaber indicated. “There are still more areas of divergence than agreement. The window is closing to close the gaps.”
