![Adaptation must be "front and centre" of climate agenda, UAE's COP28 president-designate says](https://cdn.suara.my/assets/20231008155636/Adaptation-must-be-ampquotfront-and-centreampquot-of-climate-agenda-UAE039s-696x464.jpg "Adaptation must be "front and centre" of climate agenda, UAE's")
In a news article published recently, it was reported that Sultan Al Jaber, the president designate of COP28, which is set to take place in the United Arab Emirates later this year, emphasized the importance of adaptation in the climate agenda. Al Jaber stated that given the region’s extreme heat, water scarcity, and food insecurity, along with the severe climate impacts experienced, such as droughts and floods, adaptation needs to be prioritized. He made this statement during the MENA Climate Week in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Al Jaber emphasized that to address the region’s challenges, adaptation must be put “front and center” of the climate agenda.
Furthermore, Al Jaber highlighted the need for donors to double adaptation finance and replenish the green climate fund. He explained that adaptation involves investing in various measures to adapt to climate change, including early warning systems, food systems, and crop yields. The COP28 summit is scheduled to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12. This summit is considered a crucial opportunity for governments to accelerate action in order to limit global warming, as reports indicate that countries are currently not on track to fulfill their commitments of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
It is worth noting that the selection of Al Jaber as the leader of the COP28 summit sparked controversy, as his home country is a member of OPEC and a significant oil exporter. Some questioned his suitability for the role, but Al Jaber has argued for a more inclusive COP that involves the oil and gas industry in the climate debate. He pointed out that out of the 27 previous COPs, 17 were hosted by nations with fossil fuel production. Al Jaber stressed the fundamental role of energy for everyone and everywhere.
The article was based on reports by Maha El Dahan and Aziz El Yaakoubi, with writing by Rachna Uppal and editing by Toby Chopra.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
