Facts

• As delegates prepare to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan for the COP29 climate talks, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has stated that the current climate pledges from nations are insufficient to meet their 2030 goal.^([1])
• Countries must boost their 'nationally determined contributions' and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to reach the 43% reduction per the Paris Agreement target. Current estimated cutbacks can only lower global emissions by 2.6% from 2019 to 2030, the UN body stated.^([2])^([3])
• The 2015 Paris Agreement set a target to limit global warming to 'well below' two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, aiming for a +1.5°C limit if possible.^([4])
• In 2023, greenhouse gas levels hit record highs per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), leading the global temperature increases. Carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations have increased by 11.4% in 20 years.^([5])
• The WMO also expressed concern about CO2 levels being further exacerbated by forest fires and a reduction in the effectiveness of carbon sinks — like oceans and rainforests.^([6])
• CO2 concentrations are currently 51% above pre-industrial levels. According to the WMO, methane levels are 165% higher than they were in 1750.^([1])

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Gift Article

I genuinely believe the only solution that we have is to take advantage of the energy transition . It MUST be decentralized, in the hands of local communities and organization. It MUST be democratic, or else the transition will just be an extension of the fossil fuel system, with the same people in control. After that, they will basically just watch from their safe niches as the rest of us die from climate disasters. The time is NOW. I genuinely think this is our last hope. Capitalism is the real disease, we will not save the earth or humanity with it controlling us. Especially in developing countries, they must switch to local decentralized control or else it will just allow developed countries to continue with the unsustainability.

Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Adnoc, has been tasked with the incredible responsibility of finding ways to sell energy indefinitely without planet-warming emissions. This is a monumental task for someone who previously spent much of his career making investments in renewable energy and attempting to build a zero-carbon city in the desert. His selection to lead COP28, the most important climate summit, is a testament to his commitment to finding sustainable solutions for the future. We are excited to see what he will accomplish in this role and beyond.

The preservation of water resources is essential to agriculture in the UAE, and the country has made significant efforts to promote modern irrigation systems that replace flood irrigation. Check out the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's website for more on agriculture development and health in the UAE.

At the recent 'Road to COP28' event hosted by the UAE Presidency, more than 3,000 participants came together to raise climate change awareness and mobilize all sectors of society. The event welcomed government officials, foreign diplomats, students, young climate advocates, people of determination, senior citizens, and representatives of sustainable businesses.