Limiting 1.5 degrees Celsius under Paris Agreement is “non-negotiable”: Sultan Al Jaber

New Delhi: Sultan Al Jaber, the COP28 UAE president-designate on Wednesday said that the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is “non-negotiable”, emphasizing the need to mobilize resources and partnerships toward a bold and transformative approach to climate action.

“We need a true, comprehensive paradigm shift in our approach to mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage,” Dr Al Jaber said.

Keeping the goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius alive means taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming 1.5 degrees Celsius from the pre-industrial level and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

Observing that India is on its way to becoming the third largest economy, he said that the UAE will explore opportunities of partnership with India in its high growth, low carbon pathway.

Dr Jaber asserted that India’s sustainable development is critical not just for the country, but the world.

“India’s goal of adding 500 gigawatts of clean energy in the next seven years is a true and powerful statement of intent. As one of the largest investors in renewable energy, the UAE and Masdar (renewable energy investing firm) will explore all opportunities of partnership with India to contribute to its high-growth-low-carbon pathway,” he said.

Over India’s G20 Presidency he said “As India takes forward the presidency of G20, the UAE supports India’s focus on transformative actions for a cleaner, greener, and bluer future with just and sustainable development for all”.

“We need to accelerate an energy transition that leaves no one behind, particularly the 800 million people across the global south who have no access to energy today,” he said.

Over the COP28 Presidency, he stressed that as the COP28 Presidency, we share India’s firm belief that safeguarding and respecting nature is a fundamental obligation”.

The UAE takes on the role of hosting COP28 with humility, a deep sense of responsibility and a great sense of urgency. We will aim to unite all parties around inclusive and transformational progress” Dr Sultan Al Jaber said.

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, Vice President of Guyana, made a clarion call to significantly focus on the principles of equity and justice at forums such as the G20 and the COPs.

He pointed out that it is impossible for many developing countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) without financing.

“The small countries not only need climate finance, but they also need a reform of the global financial system to achieve sustainable development,” said Dr. Jagdeo.

He also pointed out that climate resilience and sustainable development are interlinked. “Most of the countries in the Caribbean are fiscally and debt stressed.