Author: Web Desk

Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, has called on the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to consider COP28 as the decisive moment in collective action to keep global temperatures below 1.5°C, to avoid a global crisis, calling for the continuation of international efforts and initiatives while there is still time to act.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS) meetings, held as part of COP28 at Expo Dubai, Colonna stressed the importance of pushing ahead with what was accomplished, starting with the Paris Agreement at COP21 in Paris, France, up until the ongoing COP28 in the UAE, highlighting the urgency of achieving carbon neutrality and increasing investment in new and renewable energy, as well as nuclear energy.

The French Minister expressed her hope that international efforts would be increased to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions and limit the
increase in global temperatures, noting that her country strongly supported during the COP27 climate summit in Sharm El-Sheikh the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund as one of the most important tools to advance climate action.

At the same time, countries must make more efforts to reduce carbon emissions to achieve the ambitious goal of the climate summit, she concluded.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dr. Ghada Waly, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, outlined the UNODC’s multifaceted approach to combating climate-related crimes.

She emphasised the importance of raising awareness about these crimes, reviewing and aligning legislation with international commitments, and pursuing legal action through trials. Dr. Wali specifically highlighted the UNODC’s focus on environmental crimes, underscoring the organisation’s dedication to protecting the planet and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Dr. Ghada Wali shed light on climate-related crimes, explaining in statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), specifically highlighting deforestation, ocean pollution, and water pollution caused by mercury-based gold mining. She emphasised the interconnectedness of these crimes, noting that water pollution, for instance, is exacerbated by hazardous waste disposal, particularly plastic materials.

She said that the illicit
cultivation of cocaine in the Amazon rainforests of Latin America and other forests around the world poses a severe threat to the environment. ‘This criminal activity not only decimates precious ecosystems but also fuels the smuggling of prohibited timber, rare plants, and animal parts, often destined for trafficking or alternative medicine markets.’

Wali said, “These crimes collectively impact biodiversity, climate, and carbon dioxide absorption,” noting that the role of the United Nations Office specialises in raising awareness of these crimes and their relationship with other crimes like drug trafficking and human trafficking.

She explained that the UN Office operates in more than 140 countries, highlighting that in 2022, efforts were directed toward crimes affecting the environment in 40 countries. Additionally, the office issued strategies for Africa and Latin America.

She shed light on the UNODC’s ongoing efforts to tackle environmental crimes. She emphasised the organisation’s role in collaborating
with specialised agencies in various countries to intercept illicit activities, such as the confiscation of tons of ivory and smuggled timber, as well as the apprehension of organised gangs involved in plastic waste trafficking.

Dr. Wali also underscored the UNODC’s focus on reviewing and aligning legislation with international environmental commitments. This crucial step ensures that national laws effectively address contemporary environmental crimes and align with global standards.

To further strengthen the fight against environmental crimes, the UN Office, in collaboration with the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, launched new initiatives during COP28. These initiatives focus on fostering collaboration, providing training, and offering technical support to law enforcement agencies. This enhanced cooperation aims to empower law enforcement personnel to effectively counter crimes committed against the environment.

Dr. Ghada Wali highlighted the organisation’s comprehensive initiative to combat environmental cr
imes. This multi-faceted approach encompasses raising awareness among law enforcement personnel, refining legal frameworks, training investigators, and emphasising deterrence.

The initiative’s origins can be traced back to the Government Summit held in Dubai last February. Since then, working groups have diligently crafted an action plan and evaluated the specific needs of various countries. This tailored approach ensures that assistance aligns with the unique challenges faced by each nation.

Dr. Wali emphasised the importance of assessing needs and identifying shortcomings within law enforcement agencies. Based on this evaluation, tailored programmes will be developed to enhance the skills and proficiency of law enforcement personnel. These programmes will incorporate evidence-based guidance and training materials adapted to the specific contexts of different countries.

The UNODC’s message to the international community echoes the urgent need for collective action to address climate change. Dr. Wali under
scored the responsibility of major industrial nations, significant contributors to global emissions, to provide support in the form of technology and financing to less fortunate countries that play a smaller role in pollution.

Despite their relatively lower contribution to pollution, these less fortunate nations often bear the brunt of climate change’s adverse effects, facing challenges such as desertification, rising sea levels, and other disruptions that threaten livelihoods and trigger displacement. To effectively address these issues, international cooperation, financial assistance, and technology transfer are paramount.

Source: Emirates News Agency

H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser, has affirmed that the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues its journey of progress and prosperity, securing top global positions in various fields.

In a speech on the occasion of the 52nd Union Day, he stated that the country – as it celebrates this immortal occasion – recalls the efforts of the Founding Fathers led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who laid the foundation for a pioneering and unique experience that witnessed inspirational successes over more than five decades.

His Highness expressed his ambitious aspirations and unwavering determination to continue the comprehensive development journey under the leadership of the UAE President, who guides the developmental model to secure a prosperous and stable future for generations to come.

Sheikh Tahnoun commended the rich Emirati identity, encompassing historical, cultural, and heritage elements,
alongside the development of a robust and sustainable economic framework. He emphasised the UAE’s commitment to fostering respectful relationships globally, ensuring the nation’s sovereignty and security, and promoting values of coexistence and collaboration.

Source: Emirates News Agency

COP28’s Climate Innovation Forum brought together the world’s technology leaders in a series of talks exploring cutting-edge solutions to tackle the global climate crisis, including artificial intelligence (AI), satellite technology, big data, clean energy, industrial decarbonisation, low-carbon hydrogen, and more.

Attending the Climate Innovation Forum were key leaders in the technology and sustainability fields, including Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Bill Gates, Founder of Breakthrough Energy and Co-chair of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Arvind Krishna, CEO of IBM; Kate Brandt; Chief Sustainability Officer of Google; Elisabeth Gaines, Non-Executive Director and Global Green Ambassador at Fortescue Metals; Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President at Microsoft, among several others including multiple Breakthrough Energy portfolio companies.

Convening in Dubai, a city which itself is one of the world’s leading techno
logy hubs, the Climate Innovation Forum opened with an address by Al Olama, who said, ‘We are confronted with two distinct paths-one of hope and opportunity and the other in potential catastrophe. The potential for a technological revolution underpinned by environmental responsibility could lead us to a carbon-neutral future, reshaping our utilisation of Earth’s resources to achieve progress and preservation simultaneously.’

‘Developing and scaling the solutions necessary to support the global energy transition, at the speed required to meet our goals, will require unprecedented cross-sector collaboration,’ said Adnan Amin, CEO of COP28. ‘It is an honour to bring together the best and the brightest in the technology world to rally around the shared objective of driving climate progress. We must ensure that the decisions made here at COP28 are translated into practical real-world action and technology will play a pivotal role in making sure that happens.’

That session was followed by a fireside between Omar
Sultan Al Olama and Aravind Krisha, CEO of IBM, where they spoke about a broad range of topics including the applications of AI and quantum computing and how they can help solve climate change issues, especially those facing the global south.

Kate Brandt, Google’s Chief Sustainability Officer then spoke about moonshot thinking for climate action and highlighted an example where AI is currently being piloted with the Chilean government for grid management.

Google also announced the beta launch of GeoMap, a first-of-its-kind geothermal exploration tool, developed in partnership with Project InnerSpace.

Bill Gates closed the event with a fireside discussion alongside Eric Toone, Chief Technology Officer of Breakthrough Energy, and Amy Harder, Executive Editor of Cipher. During the session, they discuss the opportunities and the barriers to the scaling of climate solutions with Bill Gates saying, ‘Bringing down the green premium is key for the widespread adaption of climate technologies’.

During the event, bo
th Google and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst also revealed new projects that strive to accelerate the development of clean technologies in support of the green energy transition. Project InnerSpace and Google announced GeoMap, a first-of-its-kind geothermal exploration tool, which is focused on expanding the use and adoption of geothermal energy worldwide. Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, alongside the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (‘EIB’), announced partnership plans to mobilise up to pound 840 million of public and private funds to accelerate the deployment of emerging climate technologies.

Overall, the conference highlighted the importance of technology and innovation as critical enablers and accelerators across sectors and emphasised the need for wide-scale deployment and adoption to deliver significant impact in reducing or removing GHG emissions and bring scaling timelines closer. Challenges around the ‘green premium’ ie the cost of implementing climate solutions were raised as well a
s the challenges around the sustainability of these technologies themselves.

Source: Emirates News Agency

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has reaffirmed that Union Day is an occasion for everyone in the UAE to redouble their efforts and strengthen their ambition to further enhance the country’s global position and competitiveness.

Marking the 52nd Union Day, His Highness said, ‘The UAE’s achievements over recent years are the result of an unwavering will and continuous commitment to the nation, which was started by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. Today, it is our duty to carry forward the responsibility and preserve these gains and this legacy to build a better tomorrow for our country through science, knowledge and innovation.’

His Highness added, ‘The UAE’s ambitions and initiatives are not bound by borders, but have extended to various parts of the world through development, humanitarian and scientific projects. Today, as the country celebrates Union Day, it brings toget
her world leaders to participate in the World Climate Action Summit at COP28, sharing in the UAE’s celebrations while working to realise its ambitions for a better tomorrow for humanity.’

Sheikh Khaled has extended his sincere congratulations and good wishes to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Their Highnesses the Rulers and Crown Princes of the UAE, and the people of country urging them to continue proudly safeguarding the nation and ensuring its security and safety.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, President of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Director-General of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), and Prince Albert II of Monaco, along with other distinguished leaders, took centre stage at COP28 in a compelling panel discussion, shedding light on the pivotal role of environmental philanthropy in climate change initiatives.

The session, hosted by MERI and skillfully moderated by Francisca Cortes Solari, brought together an esteemed group of global leaders and experts, including H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco; Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); Bruno Pozzi, Deputy Director of the Ecosystems Division, United Nations International Partnerships (UNIP); and Cristian Samper, CEO of Bezos Earth Fund.

These prominent figures collectively addressed the critical importance of environmental philanthropy and its impact on efforts to combat climate change during this significant panel discussion.

Delving into the theme of “The R
ole of Environmental Philanthropy in the Implementation of the Climate UN Process,” the panel, held from 09:00 to 10:15, emphasised the critical importance of collaborative efforts among the public, private, and civil society sectors. These collaborations aim to drive progress towards the ambitious United Nations’ 2030 targets related to climate change, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability.

Dr. Abdulla Al Mandous, representing WMO, underscored the organisation’s robust connections with the private sector and active engagement with civil society. He highlighted valuable partnerships with entities like the International Red Cross and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, while also outlining WMO’s key initiatives such as the Early Warnings for All initiative, SOFF (Sustained Observations Financing Facility), and CREWS (Climate Risk Early Warning Initiative). Dr. Mandous acknowledged the untapped potential of greater engagement with the philanthropic community, recognising it as a val
uable resource for WMO.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, a key participant in the panel, shared insights into Monaco’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. His Highness discussed Monaco’s initiatives and partnerships aimed at addressing climate challenges on both regional and global scales.

The panellists collectively emphasised the urgent need for substantial investments to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. They recognised the Geneva Declaration 2019 and its Open Consultative Platform as vital tools for fostering dialogue and cooperation between the private sector and environmental initiatives.

In conclusion, the COP28 event, featuring the insights of Dr. Mandous and Prince Albert II of Monaco, highlighted the essential role of environmental philanthropy in supporting and enhancing the efforts of multinational organisations like WMO. The panellists issued a compelling call to action for increased philanthropic involvement to fortify international climate action init
iatives, underscoring the critical importance of unified efforts across diverse sectors to effectively address global environmental challenges.

Source: Emirates News Agency