This Monday, the Secretary General of the United Nations called for maximum flexibility and ambition in the final negotiations of the climate summit, but without losing sight of the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
“We are in a race against time,” said António Guterres, arguing that “it is time for maximum ambition and maximum flexibility”.
On the day the final negotiations begin at the 28th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP28), taking place in Dubai, the UN Secretary General has asked countries not to lose sight of the goals of the Paris Agreement . is ending fossil fuels.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, set targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and limit the increase in global temperatures to above 2ºC above pre-industrial values, and preferably no further rise than 1.5ºC.
The first assessment of the agreement will take place at COP28, through the Global Stocktake, the final text of which should include some reference to the end of fossil fuels, an issue on which the parties, however, disagree.
‘It is essential that the Global Stocktake [o principal mecanismo através do qual são avaliados os progressos efetuados no âmbito do Acordo de Paris] recognize the need to begin the elimination of all fossil fuels within a period consistent with the 1.5ºC target and to accelerate a fair energy transition for all,” António Guterres said in a statement to journalists.
At this point, several wording options regarding the fossil fuel issue are still on the table: two, strongly contested by oil producers, that refer to the elimination of fossil fuels, and two others that merely point to the end of fossil fuels. in which carbon capture is not possible, referred to as ‘without prejudice’.
However, António Guterres emphasized that “it does not mean that all countries must eliminate fossil fuels at the same time, but that the elimination worldwide must be compatible with the elimination of fossil fuels in accordance with the Paris goals.” carbon neutrality by 2050 and limiting temperature rise to 1.5ºC.
Another fundamental aspect, the Secretary General added, is the ambition on the topic of climate change adaptation, also one of the least consensus topics in these negotiations.
Particularly with regard to support for developing countries, António Guterres defended a greater effort from countries that are among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases, more climate financing, but also mechanisms that alleviate the “dramatic financial situation” that many of these countries face.
“One of the essential things is that all commitments made by developed countries are implemented in a transparent manner, but we are not going to solve climate equity problems with climate finance alone,” he stressed.
In particular, António Guterres defended the international financial architecture, the debt relief mechanisms and the capital increase and change in the business model of multilateral international banks.
“The next two years are critical,” said the official, who hopes countries leave Dubai “with a clear understanding of what is needed between now and COP30,” which will take place in Brazil in 2025.
COP28 started on November 30 and runs until November 12 in Dubai. After several days with a thematic program, today and Tuesday will be devoted exclusively to the final negotiations.
Source: DN
