COP28 UAE: Dr Sultan Al Jaber recaps key wins of first 4 days

At a press conference held on Monday, December 4, Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President, joined by IPCC Chair Jim Skea, delivered remarks recapping wins from the first four days of COP28.

Dr. Al Jaber started his speech by affirming that everything COP28 Presidency has been working on, and continues to work on, is centred around science, state news agency, WAM reported.

“The North Star of the COP28 Presidency is to keep 1.5 ºC within reach. The science says that to meet this goal, the world must get to net zero emissions by 2050, and reduce emissions by 43 per cent by 2030,” the COP28 President explained to the media present.

He continued by affirming that the COP28 Presidency is the first to actively call on parties to come forward with language on all fossil fuels for the negotiated text.

COP28 mobilised over $57bn in the first four days to support priorities across the global climate agenda, eight new declarations were announced, including the first-ever declarations on food systems transformation and health. Major declarations were also made on renewable energy and efficiency, as well as initiatives to decarbonise heavy-emitting industries.

Dr Al Jaber shares the following highlights so far at COP28

Dr Al Jaber said: “We’re all here because we made a very clear call to action, and we’ve been very upfront about it. And we said clearly and repeatedly that the UAE takes this task with humility, responsibility, and we fully understand the urgency behind this matter. And we’re here because we very much believe and respect the science.

“Forty-three per cent of global emissions must be reduced by 2030. That is 22 gigatonnes by 2030, and we need to make that happen to keep 1.5 within reach. And I have been crystal clear on the fact that that is a critical success factor if we want to keep 1.5 within reach. Let me say from the outset that everything this Presidency has been working on, and continues to work on, is focused on and centred around the science.”

He added: “In the first four days, I believe we have already set a high bar for delivery and there is a real sense of momentum, traction, positivity, and excitement. I also can tell you that there is real hope out there, across the site and across everyone I came across. There is real hope and optimism that this is a major inflection point, and we cannot miss the opportunity. This is our opportunity to deliver a real, tangible paradigm shift that will course-correct and put us on the right track of keeping 1.5 within reach.

“I must say, a special thing is happening here at COP28. A special thing is actually happening here. We voted on and supported and adopted the agenda in the first hour of the first day of COP. In the 12 COPs I have personally participated in, and I’m sure in this room there are people who participated in many more than only 12 COPs, never ever did we see the agenda get adopted on day one, let alone the first hour.

“Bodies then came together on the first day to make a historic decision. That’s history. In fact, it’s a breakthrough agreement on Loss and Damage. And we didn’t only operationalise it, but we began filling it. That’s what I have been repeatedly saying. Our task is not only to operationalise it and establish or create an empty bank account. No, we made a promise. We want to operationalise it, and we want to agree on the funding arrangements and start filling it. And that’s exactly what happened. And again, that’s the first time in any COP on day one such a decision gets adopted.

“This is historic. These are success stories. No one can deny this. It is also worth reminding everyone that the loss and damage was in real danger of not happening at all until we made a bold call, and we requested to convene a special session in Abu Dhabi to get it over the line. And this happened right after the Pre-COP at the beginning of November. TC5 was never part of the agenda or part of the plan, but we took that bold decision to ensure that we give it our best shot, and we utilise and capitalise on our abilities, expertise, network, partners, and relationships to get it over the line.”

He went on to say: “And yes, we got it over the line with the help and support of all parties. We also brought together the US and China in an unprecedented commitment to an economy-wide reduction of methane and other non-CO2 gases. These gases are over 80 times more damaging than CO2. Tackling methane will have a massive near-term impact on keeping 1.5 within reach, and that’s why I am putting it at the top of my agenda. In fact, it has been one of my top priorities as the COP President, and we made it a very high and top priority for everyone. And that’s why we were able to make progress.

“I am pleased to say that we have also mobilised over $57bn in new pledges and commitments only in the first four days: $30bn in a new custom-tailored UAE catalytic fund that is 100 percent focused on solutions and bridging gaps to climate change; $725m for Loss and Damage; $9bn annually announced by the World Bank; over $3bn for the Green Climate Fund; $2.7bn for health; $2.6b for nature; $1.2bn for relief, recovery, and peace; $2.5bn for renewable energy; and $1.2bn for methane reduction.”

Dr Al Jaber said that eight new declarations were announced, and these declarations “are designed to help transform every major sector of the global economy”.

Bringing together countries to drive decarbonisation

Dr Al Jaber added: “The Global Decarbonization Accelerator, bringing together more countries and more companies around net zero than ever before. Again, that has never, ever happened before. This is all aimed at decarbonising the supply and demand. And that’s, again, a unique approach. That’s a very unique model – the integration between supply and demand of the energy system. At the same time, 55 zero oil companies, oil and gas companies are aiming for zero methane emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. This is the first time ever.

“Plus, a global pledge to deliver new energy and energy efficiency. And I am especially proud that we have delivered the first ever declarations on health and food systems. These have been two massive priorities for our COP Presidency agenda. Three additional declarations will be announced in the next few days on hydrogen, cooling, and gender. The number of countries supporting these declarations and pledges is, in fact, growing. I am receiving a lot of great, overwhelmingly positive responses from many around the world who are interested and keen to join hands. And of course, if anything, this simply demonstrates how we are delivering on one of our main pillars, and that is doing everything with inclusivity.

“It is time for us to seriously cooperate, collaborate, and unite. It is solidarity that is needed at this point in time if we’re serious about addressing this. It is time that we deliver the highest ambitious response to the Global Stocktake and keep 1.5 within reach. And of course, I am excited. I am more determined than ever before, and I do look forward to rubbing shoulders against everyone, working with everyone, rolling up my sleeves, and working very closely with the negotiators to get this job done.”