While the outcomes of COP28 are hotly debated in both the scientific and social justice arenas, the climate conference took an unprecedented step forward towards a just transition, says Yamide Dagnet, Director of Climate Justice at the Open Society Foundations.
A day after the end of the climate conference, she said some preliminary comments: “COP28 ends as it began: imperfect, but nevertheless an important and unprecedented step forward in our ‘course correction’ for a just transition to resilient and greener economies.”
The UN decision recognized for the first time the need to reduce coal, oil and gas in an agreement discussing the transition away from fossil fuels. It will also be known for making the Loss and Damages Fund operational even if funding remains well below requirements for countries and communities under climate stress.
UN Secretary for Climate Change Simon Stiell acknowledged this contraction in his closing speech.
“While we have not turned the page on the fossil fuel era in Dubai, this outcome is the beginning of the end,” Stiell said.
He also noted that climate finance, which he said is a big driver of climate action, fell short of the trillions needed to support developing countries with clean energy transitions and adaptation efforts.
He urged ordinary people around the world not to give in to their demands for a climate-just world.
“In the crucial years ahead, your voice and determination will be more important than ever. I urge you never to give in. We are still in this race. We will support you every step of the way.”
![Yamide Dagnet, director of climate justice at Open Society Foundations. Credit: TJ Kirkpatrick, Open Society Foundations](https://static.globalissues.org/ips/2022/11/Photo-creditTJ-Kirkpatrick-Open-Society-Foundations-.jpeg)
Dagnet believes that COP28 is the beginning of a new era in climate justice.
“This is not an end; rather just the beginning of an implementation journey that we know is difficult, but can be so positively transformative, and only if we manage to mobilize all practical people in an equitable way. An equitable journey and outcome requires vigilance, creativity, and accountability; stronger solidarity and commitment at all levels; promoting human rights; and shared prosperity for all,” she says.
According to Danget, this COP has exposed the problems with the Paris Agreement, especially with the just transition.
“More specifically, this COP has exposed all the contradictions and challenges faced in implementing the promises of the Paris Agreement, in particular a managed, just transition away from fossil fuels and the sustainable mobilization, coordination and access to financial flows at home and abroad to decarbonize and build resilience,” says Dagnet. “
However, while some signals became clearer with more substantive commitments, challenges remain in how the just and equitable transition will proceed.
“Inclusive processes are important to promote shared prosperity and benefits throughout the journey, along with adequate safeguards to minimize unintended negative impacts of climate-related actions and technologies and to protect frontline and marginalized communities.
“Similarly, the equitable operationalization and continued capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund will require vigilance, effective guidance and mechanisms to ensure that commensurate financing is effectively mobilized and reaches the communities that need it most in a timely manner. Adequate mobilization of financing for adaptation by the donor community is also essential to address losses and damage in a dignified manner. We are pleased that a dozen of them have committed to join the OSF efforts in this regard.”
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© Inter Press Service (2023) — All rights reservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service