'Join global action to resolve climate crisis at COP28'

TDT | Manama                                                   

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

Delivering key insights in a digital press conference, US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, provided a comprehensive overview of the Biden administration’s top priorities for the upcoming COP28 meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 

At the heart of Kerry’s address was an urgent call for collaborative action to tackle the formidable challenges posed by climate change.

Acknowledging recent devastating losses from extreme weather events, he underscored the significance of the COP28 meeting in addressing these pressing concerns, marking the first COP to evaluate collective progress toward the goals of the Paris Agreement.

The Special Envoy outlined three pivotal mandated issues to dominate the conference agenda.

First on the list is the Global Stock Take, a critical assessment of progress since the Paris Agreement.

Kerry emphasized the need for a candid, strong, visionary, and comprehensive evaluation as a crucial starting point for further climate action. 

The second mandated issue revolves around adaptation reports and addressing losses and damages. 

Kerry stressed the importance of guiding efforts toward achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement on adaptation and standing up for those affected by climate-related losses.

Shedding light on national climate actions, Kerry highlighted a new focus on methane emissions. 

Collaborative efforts by oil companies, countries, and special initiatives by China and the United States aim to address this potent greenhouse gas responsible for 50 percent of global warming. 

Sustainable shipping practices took centre stage, with major companies actively reducing their environmental impact. Kerry expressed optimism about progress in industries like steel, aluminum, concrete, and cement actively pursuing greener practices.

Critical focus

Finance mobilization emerged as a critical focus for COP28, with Kerry emphasizing the need for greater support and increased funding for global efforts.Potential changes within the World Bank were identified as drivers of progress in this regard.

Kerry concluded by underscoring the significance of energy in limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.