Fighting Climate Change Should be Affordable and Within The Reach of Our Generation - Bright Chimezie Irem

Bright Chimezie Irem : In Dubai, amidst the grandeur of skyscrapers and the timeless sands, leaders and visionaries convened for COP28. It was a gathering underscored by a sense of urgency, a collective awakening to the reality that our battle against climate change is not a distant struggle, but a present and pressing reality. As I did a mental/mind-walk-through the corridors, imagining an engagement (mental-engagement) with thinkers and doers, I was reminded of the days in governance and leadership, where every decision made by our heroes and founding fathers carried the weight of future generations.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a bold stride, announced a $30 billion fund dedicated to global climate solutions. This was more than a financial commitment; it was a beacon of hope, aiming to catalyze a staggering $250 billion in investments by the end of this decade. It echoed the sentiments I always believe and share: We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last one that can do something about it.

The conversations at COP28 weren't confined to the high walls of conference rooms. They resonated in the bustling streets and quiet homes, touching lives far beyond the summit. More than 130 nations agreed to integrate emissions from agriculture into their national climate plans. This decision was not just about policy; it was about acknowledging the role of every farmer, every community, in shaping our planet's future. It reminded me of the resilience I read about in the heartlands of America, where the spirit of conservation runs deep.

In a world often divided, COP28 presented a united front with 118 countries committing to a massive increase in renewable power generation. This agreement to boost renewable capacity to 11,000 GW was a testament to our collective will to harness the power of nature for a sustainable future. It was a step towards realizing a dream: a world powered by the wind, sun, and water, not by finite and polluting resources.

Yet, the path to a cleaner world is not without its challenges. The fossil fuel industry, long the bedrock of our global economy, now stands at a crossroads. The commitment by fifty oil and gas companies to significantly reduce methane emissions by 2030 is a start, but it's just the beginning of a much-needed transformation. This pledge must be the precursor to more ambitious actions, driving us towards a future where clean energy is not just a part of our energy mix, but the cornerstone.

As I reflected over these developments, I was reminded of a fundamental truth: our generation's fight against climate change is not just a battle of policies and pledges; it's a journey of hope, resilience, and shared destiny. It's about communities coming together at all levels, industries transforming, and nations uniting for a cause that transcends borders and generations.

The commitments made at COP28, while significant, are merely steps in our marathon for a sustainable future. The real change happens in the daily choices we make, in the values we instill in our children, and in the legacy we leave behind. As we forge ahead from COP28, let's remember that the fight against climate change is not just the responsibility of governments or corporations; it's a calling for each of us.

We stand at a pivotal moment in our history, a time when our actions will define the future of our planet. Let's rise to this challenge with the knowledge that our collective will can move mountains. Let's work together to ensure that the fight against climate change is within reach of not just our generation but every generation to come.

Our planet, our shared home, deserves our utmost effort, our unwavering commitment, and our deepest love. Together, we can and will turn the tide on climate change.

Bright Chimezie Irem is a Fellow at The Mandela Washington Fellowship of The 美国国务院 U.S. Department of State, International Exchange Alumni and a Member of Global Health Diplomacy of U.S. Department of State | Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy