Daily Times

Only a few days ahead of the much-trumpeted and intensive international climate talks at COP28 in Dubai UAE, Mr Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary-General, smartly planned his visit to the globally important Antarctica which is home to the ice frozen for millions of years. Unfortunately, due to the steady rise of temperatures resulting from the enormous emissions of greenhouse gases and the massive use of fossil fuels, the icy covers are melting at an alarming speed. His media team has been regularly leveraging social media platforms to share the pictorial evidence of the catastrophic developments, thus, sending emotionally charged messages to the world at large implying, “We need to act immediately.” He further remarked and also for the right reasons that “What happens in Antarctica doesn’t stay in Antarctica.” It is pertinent to remember that the continent is not only responsible for deflecting loads of sunlight from the planet Earth, but its ice and extremely cold waters regulate and control the tides of the major oceans, thereby keeping the climate within the limits of bearable conditions. However, the fast depletion of ice reservoirs not only raises sea levels but also adversely affects the health and well-being of the flora and fauna there. Therefore, these first-hand accounts by the UN Chief of the worsening conditions in Antarctica and the increasing threats to the rare species of animals have built the desired hype ahead of the ongoing COP28, also known as the annual Conference of the Parties. The people from across the globe have pinned their hopes on the meaningful discussions held among the leaders and agreements thus reached. A far stronger commitment is direly needed by those inside the conference and later manifested in actions to mitigate the climate crisis on a war footing.

On the other hand, at COP28, the nations of the world together will deliberate on the distance covered in addressing the climate crisis while the UN will present the first-ever Global Stocktake, encompassing the insights and outcomes of the two-year intensive review of the process made in this regard. It is a painful reality to witness that a serious course correction is urgently needed as the climate efforts are still miles away from the commitments previously agreed and promises made. In particular, the world’s poorest in the Global South are reeling under mounting debts and find it almost impossible to invest a dime in the endeavors needed to deal with the climate crisis. Therefore, there is every likelihood of more hapless millions sliding below the poverty levels if the affluent nations do not significantly cut down emissions and simultaneously scale up investments into renewable sources of energy and poverty alleviation programs. Hence, COP28 holds the key to the urgent and informed response needed to tackle the compounding vicious cycle of poverty, disease, and climate injustice. Like other Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP28 is equally important for climate justice for more reasons than one.

The fast depletion of ice reservoirs not only raises sea levels but also adversely affects the health and well-being of the flora and fauna

It is beyond the shadow of any doubt that COP28 is all set to provide a platform for global cooperation and collaboration among nations to address the challenges of climate change. Climate justice emphasizes the need for fair and equitable contributions from all countries, considering the historical responsibility and capabilities. Likewise, the meetings can typically involve negotiations on emission reduction commitments for countries and other key stakeholders. Climate justice advocates argue for commitments that reflect historical responsibility for emissions, recognizing that developed nations have historically contributed more to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Therefore, the issues around climate justice are closely tied to the need for adaptation and resilience measures, particularly for vulnerable countries and marginalized communities from the poor South. It is hoped that discussions involve considerations of funding and support for adaptation projects in developing countries, ensuring that those most affected by climate change receive the necessary assistance. Those busy in the deliberations inside COP28 must keep in view that one of the key principles of climate justice is the provision of financial resources to developing countries to help them transition to low-carbon economies and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These meetings will play a crucial role in negotiating and mobilizing climate finance to support these efforts. Similarly, climate justice emphasizes addressing the concept of loss and damage, recognizing that some impacts of climate change are unavoidable. These discussions on loss and damage involve considerations of compensation, support, and mechanisms to assist communities that are disproportionately affected. The significance of inclusive decision-making in ensuring climate presses on the need to consider the perspectives of indigenous peoples, local communities, and other marginalized groups. COP meetings provide a forum for the inclusion of diverse voices in the discussions on climate policies and actions. Furthermore, the advocates of climate justice from around the globe are asking for transparency and accountability in climate actions. Thus, COP28 meetings must involve discussions on monitoring, reporting, and verification of countries’ efforts to reduce emissions and meet their commitments, ensuring accountability in the global response to climate change.

Moving beyond COP28, one cannot predict with absolute certainty what specific outcomes and agreements will be reached and signed. However, one may draw the broader contours of the possible roadmap for the future of climate justice that is most likely to be agreed upon by the nations of the world. Firstly, the countries may agree to new or revised emission reduction targets as part of their contributions to the global effort to combat climate change. The level of ambition and the specifics of these commitments will be significant outcomes. Secondly, agreements on funding and support for adaptation and resilience measures, particularly for vulnerable and developing countries, are crucial outcomes. This may involve commitments to finance adaptation projects and initiatives. Thirdly, negotiations on climate finance are likely, with discussions on the mobilization of funds to support developing countries in their transition to low-carbon economies and in adapting to the impacts of climate change. Fourthly, agreements or discussions on the transfer of climate-friendly technologies from developed to developing countries may be part of the outcomes. This is essential for supporting sustainable development and helping countries meet their climate goals. Fifthly, recognition and support for nature-based solutions, such as forest conservation and restoration, may be highlighted as part of the outcomes. These solutions contribute to both climate mitigation and adaptation efforts in the long run. Last but not least is the agreement to address loss and damage associated with the impacts of climate change, including discussions on financial and technical support for affected communities.

In the ultimate analysis, one may infer that it is important to note that the outcomes of COP28 meetings will be the result of meaningful negotiations among participating countries, and the final agreements may be influenced by political dynamics, international cooperation, and the evolving understanding of climate science and its impacts. However, there is not an iota of doubt about the scope and significance of COP28 as its outcomes are crucial for advancing climate justice by shaping global climate policies, fostering cooperation, and addressing the needs and concerns of vulnerable populations from the Global South. It only remains to be seen if the clarion calls for urgent action made by the UN Secretary-General during his very recent visit to Antarctica will be echoed by those who matter in the COP28 at Dubai, UAE, or if the words only stay confined within the bounds of the freezing icy peaks bearing the brunt of human action since millions of years. One of these key messages by the UN Chief that may be meant for the attendees of COP28, is truly soul-stirring, “Antarctica is crying out for action. I salute the thousands of researchers-in Antarctica and around the world- expanding our understanding of the changes taking place on the continent. They are a testament to human ingenuity and the immense benefits of international collaboration. Leaders must not let the hopes of people around the world for a sustainable planet melt away.”

The writer is a civil servant, published author, and communication specialist. He is currently enrolled as a PhD Scholar at the University of Leicester, UK.