Calling for a robust response to the Global Stocktake, Dr. Al Jaber said, “We have no time to waste, and we need a detailed action plan that delivers a robust and comprehensive response to the Global Stocktake across the key pillars of the Paris Agreement. We must agree on an ambitious mitigation work program, finalize the global goal on adaptation, establish a fund for loss and damage and agree on an equitable approach to means of implementation.

 Acknowledging that the world is not on track to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, Dr. Al Jaber said that the COP28 Action Agenda will help “translate all the ambitions of Paris into practical results.”

 “The first pillar of that agenda is a fast, fair, equitable and well managed energy transition,” the President-Designate said. “China’s remarkable leadership in this transition is one of the reasons I am optimistic that we can make breakthrough progress.”

“This great country has already installed 1000 GW of renewable energy capacity and will add another 500 GW in wind and solar in the next three years alone. This aligns closely with COP28’s call for a global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030. And with China leading the way, I am sure the whole world can do it.”

Also read: COP28: Mangroves Ministerial to Advance Nature-Based Climate Solutions

China will also “play a vital role in expanding green growth through expanding South-South cooperation with the Belt and Road Initiative,” Dr. Al Jaber said. The initiative is designed to drive investment in green infrastructure in emerging and developing economies.

The President-Designate reiterated the importance of operationalizing the fund and funding commitments for loss and damage at COP28, and again urged donor countries to double adaptation finance by 2025 and replenish the green climate finance.

Nearly 200 countries agreed under the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial times, and aim for 1.5 C - the limit scientists say would avoid the most severe and irreversible climate change impacts

As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake - a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals.

The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a “leave no one behind” approach to inclusive climate action.

Also read: COP 28: Call to Triple Renewable Capacity by 2030 Gathers Steam