President Dr. Irfaan Ali has delivered a warning at COP28, cautioning against the potential failure to achieve a viable outcome that would provide the world with the energy it needs to grow and prosper.
President Ali emphasized the importance of avoiding a doctrinarian approach, stating that COP28 will not achieve its objectives if leaders continue to ignore current realities.
He pointed out that the growing demand for energy, particularly in the developing world facing energy poverty, cannot be met solely by renewables in the near future.
To achieve the target of net zero by 2050, President Ali advocated for a combination of measures, including reducing fossil fuel production and eliminating large polluters from the supply chain.
He reiterated the call for the removal of subsidies and the sustainable management of forests.
For Guyana, President Ali outlined three priorities for COP28:
- Agreeing on a just, orderly, and affordable transition away from excessive fossil fuel use.
- Ensuring at-scale and accessible climate finance for the developing world.
- Agreeing on actions at scale to maintain tropical forests and advance sustainable land use.
Regarding forests, President Ali urged the COP to turn promises of climate action into reality and emphasized the need to halt and reverse forest loss globally.
He affirmed Guyana’s commitment to practical solutions over abstract theories to contribute to achieving climate stability.
The warning issued by President Ali underscores the critical need for pragmatic and collaborative efforts at COP28 to address the complex challenges posed by climate change.