UAE Consensus calls for unprecedented action to achieve 1.5°c goal

Paris: Implementation of the UAE Consensus, a historic agreement reached at COP28 aimed at keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C, necessitates unprecedented action from global stakeholders, emphasised Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber during an event at the Paris Headquarters of the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Addressing attendees at the event titled 'Beyond COP28: Time to Unite, Act, and Deliver the UAE Consensus', which included ministers, ambassadors, industry executives, and other leaders,

Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology urges “unprecedented action for the unprecedented agreement” reached during the COP28, aiming to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5°C. While addressing attendees at 'Beyond COP28: Time to Unite, Act, and Deliver the UAE Consensus' in Paris, the COP28 president reiterated the significance of the UAE Consensus in charting a clear path towards achieving the 1.5°C goal.

Dr Al Jaber emphasized the need for all signatory parties to enhance their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in preparation for the next cycle in 2025, urging the adoption of comprehensive emission reduction targets aligned with scientific recommendations.

The UAE Consensus outlined a transparent plan to maintain the 1.5°C target achievable and introduced several unprecedented initiatives in the climate agenda.

"Cop28 created a moment of hope in challenging times. Let’s not waste it. Let’s harness this positive energy to drive breakthrough progress", said Dr. Al Jaber.

He further highlighted the role of industries in leveraging technology and investments to decarbonise at the scale outlined in the UAE Consensus. Efforts are also made to engage the oil and gas industry, with 40% of global oil production committing to zero methane emissions by 2030.

While commending these initiatives as a good start, Dr Al Jaber stressed the necessity of building upon them, emphasizing the importance of continuous progress towards climate goals.

The recent events, including global temperatures exceeding the 1.5°C threshold and January registering as the warmest on record signifies the urgency in Dr. Al Jaber's call for action. To address these challenges, significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and transparency regarding associated costs are imperative.

Dr Al Jaber's remarks come following the launch of a partnership between the Cop28 presidency and the next two hosts of the climate conference - Azerbaijan and Brazil, aimed at ensuring continuity and cooperation to achieve the 1.5°C goal.