AI Jaber wants countries to cut 22 gigatons of greenhouse emissions in seven years

Ahmed Al Jaber, COP28 president, says countries must collectively cut 22 gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions in the next seven years to keep the 1.5°C target within reach.

In a letter to the parties in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Jaber said there is a need “to think bigger and implement quicker” to reduce global emissions by 43 percent by 2030.

The COP28 president said this can be achieved by increasing climate financing, rapidly phasing up zero carbon alternatives, as well as engaging in enhanced adaptation action to build resilience.

He said the phasing down of demand for and supply of all fossil fuels is inevitable and essential, adding that this would require energy transition efforts on a larger scale.

Jaber said the fossil fuel phase out would accelerate the transition to low emissions and sustainable economic models in a way that is “transformational and addresses climate change challenges in a just and equitable way”.

He urged world leaders to come to COP28 prepared to respond to the existing gaps in climate action with increased ambition and accelerated implementation. 

“We need to collectively cut 22 gigatons of GHG emissions in the next 7 years to keep 1.5°C within reach,” he said.

“That means working towards an energy system free of unabated fossil fuels by mid-century, with action on coal being a priority.

“Ending new approvals of unabated coal plants will enable the phase down of demand for fossil fuels and is critical to keeping 1.5°C within reach.

“We must do this while further ensuring energy security, affordability and accessibility to support broader development objectives.

“This transition requires scaling up investments in clean energy supply and much more efficient use of energy.

“We invite all countries to join COP28’s pledge endorsing the tripling of global renewables capacity (reaching 11 TW by 2030) and doubling of the annual average global rate of energy efficiency improvements between now and 2030 (reaching 4%), and to come to COP with tangible commitments to realize this goal.”