Climate Accountability: An Imperative at Cop28
The year 2023 has been a stark reminder of the very real and immediate consequences of climate change. Devastating floods and wildfires have highlighted the urgent need for accountable action to combat the climate crisis. As we approach the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Cop28, it becomes evident that leaders of high-emitting countries bear a significant responsibility for addressing climate change. To avoid the worst outcomes and rectify the disparities in current climate policy, a change of course is imperative.
The Paris Agreement has seen many countries pledge financial support for climate mitigation and adaptation, positive steps in the right direction. However, high-emitting nations have fallen short of their commitment to provide $100 billion annually to developing countries by 2020.
Regrettably, in many regions, the damage is irreversible. Adaptation is no longer feasible in places where displacement, ecosystem degradation, and loss of homelands due to rising sea levels have already occurred. This is "loss and damage" unfolding in real-time. Small island states and vulnerable nations have long advocated for recognition of loss and damage in international negotiations. Millions of people's futures depend on initiatives like the UN's transition committee on loss and damage, yet it failed to reach an agreement ahead of Cop28.
Former Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, was an early champion of loss and damage measures at Cop26 and Cop27, urging powerful industrialized nations to bridge the financing gap for climate justice. Despite initial pledges, the US and the UK, among others, have categorically rejected climate reparations, a concerning development given their historical contribution to the climate crisis.
Climate accountability is a shared responsibility, encompassing a complex web of actions, decisions, and commitments. Beyond any pledges made at Cop28, corporate accountability and grassroots action remain vital. The fossil fuel industry must transform its business model, while local governments, civic groups, and nonprofits play crucial roles in addressing climate injustices at the ground level.
As the world braces for Cop28, the onus falls on global leaders, corporations, and individuals to champion the cause of climate justice. Wealthy nations must not only commit to funding loss and damage but also intensify their efforts in mitigation and adaptation. It is imperative to reduce the influence of the fossil fuel industry on climate policies. The future of our planet hinges on these critical actions.
In conclusion, Cop28 offers a pivotal opportunity for nations to take climate accountability seriously and work collectively to combat the escalating climate crisis. Let us not forget that the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants is at stake.
Prof. Farhana Sultana, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse University, New York The late Prof. Saleemul Huq, International Centre for Climate Change and Development, Independent University, Bangladesh
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