Civil society leaders deeply concerned over inadequate COP progress as week one concludes
6 December 2023
PRESS RELEASE
Adaptation is the “forgotten stepchild” in negotiations as delay in finance commitments from developed nations puts lives and livelihoods at risk
6 December, Dubai: At a press briefing by Climate Action Network (CAN), civil society leaders expressed their deep concern at the pace of climate negotiations and called for the COP28 presidency to step up leadership.
Liane Schalatek, Associate Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC, said:
“Without a significant increase in climate finance commitments here in Dubai there will be no trust, no ambition, no implementation going forward and certainly no climate justice delivered.
“What we need to see here is a ratcheting up of finance provision by developed countries but what we are seeing and hearing across the finance negotiation rooms is that developed countries are continuing to downplay, if not deny, their historical responsibilities and obligations.
“What we have seen here is a lack of ambition in finance pledges. Where we need trillions and billions what we have got so far is millions which is inadequate, unjust and it is an insult to the communities in the global south who need support now and not eventually. Delaying delivery will cost lives and livelihoods.”
Pratishtha Singh, Senior International Policy Analyst, Climate Action Network – Réseau action climat Canada said the lack of progress in agreeing a global goal on adaptation is ‘deeply concerning’.
She said: “Adaptation is a cornerstone in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement but has been almost invisible in announcements and financial pledges but its delivery, through action and support, is important to build trust for collaboration.
“There has been a continued lack of sufficient political attention which is unacceptable. Developed nations, particularly, need to do their part and lead talks whilst respecting the principles of equity, historical responsibility and climate justice.
“Adaptation and mitigation must be pursued with equal force and commitment. Overall we need urgent attention and political leadership from the COP presidency to work with the developed and developing countries to make it happen.”
Avantika Goswami, Programme Manager, Climate Change, Centre for Science and Environment, said:
“Within Global Stocktake discussions many disagreements remain particularly over mitigation ambition, finance and fossil fuel phase out which is a contentious topic with many disagreements.
“There is language in the text on a global fossil fuel phase out but it is not accompanied by a clear timeline for this target or differentiation of schedules between developed and developing countries.
“We would also like to see language on tripling of renewable energy and doubling of energy efficiency alongside a just phase out of all fossil fuels for an ambitious GST outcome.”
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MEDIA CONTACT AT COP28
Dharini Parthasarathy, Global Communications Lead, Climate Action Network International, dparthasarathy@climatenetwork.org / +918826107830 CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK
Climate Action Network (CAN) is a global network of over 2000 civil society groups in more than 150 countries together fighting the climate crisis. More information on www.climatenetwork.org