Day 13 -COP28: The final day showcases a promising outlook for the future

The last day in Dubai began with fervent hope for a groundbreaking agreement. However, as the days unfolded, optimism gradually gave way to a mix of disappointment and renewed determination.

Passion ignites in the face of uncertainty: Despite the lack of a definitive outcome, several moments offered glimmers of hope. Young activists, their voices laced with urgency and concern, resonated through the halls, demanding stronger action. Delegates from nations bearing the brunt of climate change spoke with a poignant clarity that left a lasting impression.

New Alliances: Unlikely alliances give hope for future cooperation amidst heated debates on fossil fuels. Developed and developing nations found common ground on issues like climate finance, demonstrating the possibility of collaborative solutions. This fragile spirit of compromise offered a pathway forward.

Absence of Fossil Fuels Commitments: The absence of a clear commitment to stop using fossil fuels, despite public support and many requests, was a major obstacle to progress. Strong opposition from influential groups hampered progress on this critical issue, leaving many disillusioned. Youth activists, particularly, were deeply disappointed with the outcome.

Pace of Negotiation: The negotiations are moving very slowly, which is making people even more frustrated. Hours were lost to delays and an unwillingness to compromise. This underscored the need to streamline the COP process and prioritize efficiency. The slow progress left many questioning the effectiveness of the entire conference structure.

Collective Action: Working together can lead to big changes. COP28 showed that even small individual efforts can create a powerful force for change when combined. From activism to policy changes to everyday choices, each person has a role to play in shaping a sustainable future. It's collective action that holds the key to global success.

COP28 revealed that despite challenges, there is a strong global commitment to climate action. By staying determined and working together, we can create a sustainable future- Rahul Arora

Takeaways for North America:

The US secured new regulations on methane emissions and partnered with other nations on initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge. The US also joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance. Canada focused on promoting the transition to clean energy and securing funding for climate change initiatives in developing countries. Canada acknowledged the interconnectedness of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, advocating for comprehensive solutions. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the climate crisis and finding solutions together.

Was COP28 a success?

Some people think COP28 missed a chance to agree on fossil fuels, but it's important to recognize the progress made in Dubai. The conference yielded tangible results on several key fronts:

• Climate finance:?Developed nations pledged increased funding to support climate action in developing countries,?a crucial step in addressing the uneven impact of climate change.
• Carbon capture technology:?Renewed commitment was shown towards investing in and deploying carbon capture technologies.
• Deforestation:?Several nations took steps to preserve forests, crucial for protecting biodiversity and combating climate change.
• Renewable energy:?Global leaders pledged to triple renewable energy capacity,?demonstrating a major shift towards clean energy sources.
• Global Methane Pledge:?The US joined a global effort to reduce methane emissions, aiding in combating climate change.
• Loss and damage fund:?A new fund was established to help vulnerable developing nations cope with climate-related loss and damage, meeting a longstanding demand.

These achievements, coupled with the unwavering commitment from various countries, activists, and stakeholders, demonstrate the progress made at COP28.

The road ahead:

While the debate over fossil fuels continues, the conference laid the foundation for future agreements and actions towards a sustainable future. The road ahead will be tough, but our determination and common vision for a better world are crucial for success. We thank Dubai and the UAE government for their generous hospitality in hosting COP28 and passing the baton to Azerbaijan.