World Leaders Unite in Dubai at COP28 to Tackle Climate Change amid Rising Geopolitical Tension
World leaders have come together in Dubai for COP28, the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, with the aim of addressing climate change despite the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions. European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that we need to be serious and that a wake-up call is necessary. He stressed the importance of simultaneously addressing security, stability, and conflicts while tackling climate change.
The Paris Peace Forum, convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, preceded COP28 and highlighted the critical role of biodiversity and nature in the fight against climate change. The forum also shed light on the detrimental impact of melting glaciers, including water scarcity, migration, increased carbon dioxide emissions, and the risk of new pandemics. Additionally, discussions on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict took center stage, amplifying concerns about global conflicts affecting climate negotiations.
Pope Francis, in a message read by the Apostolic Nuncio to France Celestino Migliore, acknowledged the extremely painful global context surrounding the forum. Lebanese climate activist Elsy Milan urged world leaders to recognize that peace cannot be sustained without collective efforts to preserve the planet, referencing the tragic loss of children’s lives in conflicts.
COP28 puts pressure on wealthy countries to deliver on past climate commitments. President Michel emphasized the European Union’s responsibility to address poverty and instability in Africa, as the EU’s economic development has often relied on the exploitation of natural resources. Notable past pledges include the G7’s energy partnership announcement in 2021 to support climate-friendly investments in countries such as South Africa and Vietnam, and the commitment made by wealthy nations in 2020 to allocate $100 billion annually to vulnerable nations affected by climate change.
The European Union, together with the United States and the United Arab Emirates, aims to secure agreements at COP28 to significantly increase renewable energy production and usage. Brussels is also pushing for global leaders to commit to reducing fossil fuel dependency and establishing a loss and damage fund for vulnerable countries.
However, some European leaders, including Wopke Hoekstra, the European commissioner responsible for negotiating the EU’s position at COP28, have raised concerns about the geopolitical hurdles that impede climate negotiations. Amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, accusations of the EU’s pro-Israel bias have sparked debates about the bloc’s credibility. President Michel dismissed these accusations, asserting that it is crucial to cooperate despite the existing geopolitical challenges.
In preparation for COP28, the EU recently reached a preliminary agreement to restore 20% of damaged land areas and seas by 2030, as well as implement policies for all ecosystems by 2050. Critics argue that the agreement was diluted during the negotiation process.
As world leaders gather in Dubai for COP28, the global community awaits tangible actions and commitments to combat climate change. The urgency to safeguard the planet and overcome geopolitical tensions remains paramount. With COP28 underway, the international community hopes for a collaborative effort in addressing the pressing challenges facing our environment.
