The annual climate talks, referred to as COP28, commenced in Dubai on November 30 and will continue until December 12, 2023. The upcoming conference is anticipated to be the largest one to date, with a projected attendance of over 70,000 individuals. This diverse group of participants will include government officials, business and financial leaders, youth advocates, delegations from Indigenous communities, as well as lobbyists and representatives from fossil fuel companies.
President Ruto will advocate for Kenya and Africa's climate agenda during the conference that commenced in the United Arab Emirates. His opening remarks emphasized the urgent need to expedite collective climate action.
India supporting Kenya: Kenyan President William Ruto described the country's relationship with India as "fantastic" and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts in securing permanent membership for the African Union (AU) in the G20.
He mentioned that India and Kenya have a strong bilateral relationship and expressed his anticipation of visiting India.
Africa officially became a participant in the multi-stakeholder partnership aimed at eradicating open waste burning from the continent in March 2023. This joint initiative involves the active participation of local authorities, private enterprises, community organizations, civil society, and development partners. The objective is to achieve a 60% reduction by the year 2030 and ultimately eradicate the practice of open waste burning by 2040.
Actually, COP meetings help countries assess and strengthen their commitments to addressing climate change. Nations should regularly improve their emission reduction targets and climate action plans, and these conferences provide opportunities for updates.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. COP meetings are important for implementing the agreement. Future conferences will discuss progress, challenges, and ways to improve collective efforts.
COP meetings unite global leaders, negotiators, and stakeholders. They offer a platform for worldwide collaboration, sharing knowledge, and negotiating important matters concerning climate change mitigation, adaptation, and finance.
COP conferences discuss and assess the latest climate science. These discussions inform policymakers and negotiators about the climate crisis and the need for action.
Financial support for climate action in developing countries is vital in international climate negotiations. COP meetings discuss climate finance, including funding for adaptation and mitigation in vulnerable regions.
COP meetings raise ambition and urgency in the global response to climate change. As climate change worsens, nations face growing pressure to take bolder actions and set tougher targets.
COP conferences focus on both mitigation and adaptation strategies. As climate change becomes more certain, countries are discussing how to adapt and build resilience.
COP meetings engage non-state actors like businesses, cities, and civil society. These entities are important for climate action and can demonstrate initiatives and commitments at COP events.
Political leaders at COP conferences show commitment to addressing the climate crisis. Decisions and actions at these events impact global climate efforts.
It is imperative for African businesses, including Airtel Africa, to seize this moment and showcase our shared resolve to fulfil our climate commitments as African enterprises.
Surjit Singh Flora is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton Canada.
