UAE urges countries to honour fossil fuels vow amid Cop29 impasse | Cop29
The world must stand behind a historic resolution made last year to “transition away from fossil fuels”, the United Arab Emirates has said, in a powerful intervention into a damaging row over climate action.
The petrostate’s stance came as a sharp rebuke to its neighbour and close ally Saudi Arabia, which had been trying to unpick the global commitment at UN climate talks in Azerbaijan this week.
Last year, the UAE hosted a vital summit on the climate, Cop28, of which the commitment to transition away from fossil fuels was a key outcome. It marked the first time in 30 years of near-annual climate meetings that the issue had been directly addressed.
The requirement was contained in a document called the UAE Consensus. A UAE spokesperson told the Guardian: “The UAE Consensus is the culmination of an intense set of negotiations that proved the value of multilateralism.
“As a Cop decision, it is by definition unanimous. All parties must honour what they agreed. They must now focus on implementation by providing the means to take it forward with a robust NCQG [new collective quantified goal on climate finance]. We urge all parties to focus on this outcome.”
At this year’s talks, Cop29, Saudi Arabia and its allies have been attempting to roll back this commitment. They tried to sideline the discussion of the phaseout of fossil fuels into a separate track of the talks, under finance, and refused to allow the commitment to be included in crucial texts.
Experts on the talks told the Guardian privately that the UAE intervention against its close ally and “brother nation” Saudi Arabia was highly significant.
After Cop28, UAE instituted a “troika” system for UN Cops, whereby the three countries that were the current, immediate past and next hosts agreed to cooperate to try to ensure the talks run smoothly.
Saudi Arabia has been highly obstructive at these talks, according to insiders in the negotiating rooms. A spokesperson for the country told a plenary session of the Cop – which stands for “conference of the parties” under the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change – that Saudi Arabia would “not accept any text that targets any specific sectors, including fossil fuels”.
That comment prompted Catherine McKenna, a former climate minister for Canada and chair of the UN group on net zero emissions commitments, to write on social media: “I am so sick of Saudi Arabia’s opposition to any suggestion of a transition away from fossil fuels. We are in a fossil fuel climate crisis. Please go hard everyone at #Cop29 and get it done.”
after newsletter promotion
Cop29 in Azerbaijan is entering its final hours. As well as reaffirming the transition away from fossil fuels, the summit is supposed to produce a new global settlement on climate finance, to channel funds of at least $1tn a year to developing countries, to help them cut greenhouse gas emissions and cope with the impact of extreme weather.
But the conference has been mired in bitter rows. Developed countries have yet to confirm how much climate finance they will contribute to the “new collective quantified goal” from their own budgets, and how much of the remainder of the expected $1tn or more would have to be made up from private sector investment.
Developing countries want most of the money to come from public funds, and to take the form of grants rather than loans.
Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland, who was also twice a UN climate envoy, told the Guardian poor countries might have to compromise on a figure of $300bn that was likely to be offered from the budgets of developed countries and from multilateral development banks such as the World Bank.
#UAE #urges #countries #honour #fossil #fuels #vow #Cop29 #impasse #Cop29
News plays a pivotal role in our lives by keeping us informed and connected to the world. It serves as a critical source of information, offering updates on current events, politics, economics, science, and more. Through news, we gain awareness of global issues and local developments, helping us make informed decisions in our personal and professional lives. News also fosters discussion and debate, encouraging critical thinking and perspective-taking. Moreover, it promotes transparency and accountability among governments, businesses, and other institutions. In a rapidly changing world, staying updated with the news enables us to adapt to new challenges and opportunities, shaping our understanding of the complexities of society. Ultimately, news is not just about information; it empowers us to participate actively in the world around us, contributing to a more informed, engaged, and responsible global citizenry.
Health is fundamental to our well-being and quality of life, making it an essential aspect of daily existence. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional aspects, influencing our ability to function effectively and enjoy life fully. Prioritizing health allows individuals to maintain optimal physical fitness, reducing the risk of diseases and promoting longevity. Mental health, equally crucial, affects our cognitive abilities, emotional stability, and overall happiness. Investing in preventive healthcare through exercise, balanced nutrition, and regular medical check-ups helps in early detection of potential health issues, ensuring timely intervention and treatment. Beyond individual benefits, a population’s health impacts societal productivity and economic stability. Governments and organizations worldwide emphasize public health initiatives to address pandemics, health disparities, and promote overall well-being. Ultimately, health serves as the foundation upon which we build our lives, influencing our ability to pursue goals, nurture relationships, and contribute meaningfully to society.
Money plays a crucial role in our lives as a means of financial security and freedom. It enables us to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare, while also providing opportunities for education, travel, and personal growth. Beyond material comforts, money facilitates social connections and experiences that enrich our lives. It empowers individuals to invest in their futures, whether through savings, investments, or entrepreneurial ventures, thereby fostering economic stability and growth. However, the pursuit of wealth should also be balanced with ethical considerations, as money can influence relationships and societal dynamics. Responsible management of finances is key to achieving long-term goals and mitigating financial stress. Ultimately, while money is a tool for achieving aspirations and fulfilling desires, its true value lies in how it is utilized to improve both personal well-being and the broader community.
Earning Easy Money in 2024: Opportunities and Considerations 💸
In 2024, the landscape of earning easy money presents diverse opportunities, albeit with considerations. The digital age offers platforms for freelancing, online trading, and e-commerce, allowing individuals to leverage skills and creativity for financial gain. Cryptocurrency investments continue to allure with potential for quick profits, yet they entail high volatility and risk. Moreover, the rise of the gig economy enables flexible work arrangements through apps and websites, offering quick payouts but often without job security or benefits. Passive income streams such as rental properties and investments in stocks or bonds remain viable, but demand initial capital and ongoing management. Amid these options, caution is essential to avoid scams and unsustainable ventures promising overnight success. Ultimately, while the allure of easy money persists, informed decisions, diligence, and a long-term perspective are crucial for sustainable financial growth and security in the dynamic year ahead.
