UN: COP28 must not be empty fanfare — we need concrete climate action

Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), says concrete climate action is needed at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Speaking at the opening of the New York Climate Week on Monday, Stiell said the transition to low emissions is an urgent but difficult task.

The executive secretary said adequate financing is required to meet the commitments of the Paris Agreement and to successfully tackle the climate crisis.

Stiell said more transparency and accountability will offer opportunities for accelerated implementation of climate ambitions, adding that courageous leaders are needed to “hunt for solutions”.

He added that “we can” and “we will” is the attitude that “we need to bring to COP28”.

“The challenge of a green transition to a low-emission, climate-resilient world is immense, and it is urgent. But politically, it is a hugely difficult task,” he said.

“Pre-Paris, we were focused on getting the agreement. Post-Paris, we were focused on agreeing the rules. I cannot state clearly enough how significantly we will succeed or fail based on our ability to mobilise finance behind this endeavour.

“We have overrun ourselves with meetings, leaving minimal time in between to do the crucial work of mobilising capitals to take the ambitious positions we need. I am a stalwart supporter of inclusion – this year, the UNFCCC has accredited 600 more observer organisations to the COP.

“I am focused on making the COP process more fit for purpose, one which better facilitates serious discussion between parties and non-party stakeholders. For years, we have collectively referred to the COP as a ‘circus’ – but this rhetoric must not take over: we need concrete climate action, not empty fanfare.

“Firstly, we are clear on where we need to go. We need 1.5 aligned commitments across the board. Yet there are only a handful who could claim they meet that across mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and finance.

“Secondly, we desperately need more transparency to account on what has been committed. This year will be the first time that we make the list of participants at the COP and their affiliations public.

“Thirdly, we have an opportunity between now and the COP to set ourselves up for the ambition we need for success in the UAE. Which sectors can come forward to demonstrate what is needed to course correct and get us on track with the Paris Agreement? Which balance can be struck to make best use of the unique opportunity provided by the Global Stocktake, enabling accelerated implementation?

“More than ever, we need courage. We need leadership. We need stalwart COP presidencies that hunt for solutions and forge ambitious compromises. We need negotiators who take it on themselves to convince capitals of ambitious pathways.

“We need political leaders that dare to see beyond their elected term and invest in our present and future. We need corporate leaders in the fossil fuel industry, in the financial sector who can challenge shareholders on destructive short-term gain, in favour of a longer-term vision of returns on investment for the planet.”