At COP28, over 60 countries commit to reducing cooling-related emissions

La directrice exécutive du PNUE, Inger Andersen, le président de la COP28, Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, et l'envoyé spécial des États-Unis pour le climat, John Kerry, lors de la COP28, à Dubaï. — Reuters

On the sixth day of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, over 60 countries, including the United States, Canada and Kenya, committed to reducing their cooling-related emissions by 2050. In parallel, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) announced that it would allocate just over nine billion euros to support the energy transition by 2030.

63 countries commit to limiting emissions from the cooling sector

The United States, Canada and Kenya are among the 63 countries that have committed to significantly reducing their emissions related to cooling technologies, which include food and drug refrigeration as well as air conditioning.

The Global Cooling Pledge marks the first global collective initiative to reduce cooling-related emissions by at least 68% by 2050 compared to 2022 levels. The plan also lists a number of other objectives, including the establishment of minimum energy efficiency standards by 2030.

“We want to chart a path to reduce cooling-related emissions across all sectors, while also increasing access to sustainable cooling,” said US Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry during COP28.

Some 1.2 billion people who need cooling technologies still do not have access to them. Installed capacity is expected to triple by mid-century, driven by rising temperatures, population growth and increasing incomes.

ACG allocates nearly €10 billion to support the energy transition

On the fringes of COP28, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) has announced a noteworthy commitment, signaling a substantial leap towards a sustainable future. According to reports from the UAE’s national news agency, WAM, the ACG has pledged an impressive ten billion dollars (approximately 9.3 billion euros) in support of the energy transition by the year 2030. This financial commitment, backed by a coalition of regional and international development institutions within the ACG, carries the explicit aim of catalyzing a comprehensive and affordable shift towards renewable energy within developing nations. The significance of this funding transcends its sheer monetary value, as it underlines a collective determination to address the pressing challenges of climate change on a global scale. By directing substantial financial resources towards fostering renewable energy adoption in developing regions, the ACG endeavors to play a pivotal role in advancing a sustainable and inclusive energy transition, exemplifying the potential for collaboration and commitment on the international stage.

Amnesty International’s secretary general evokes a “repressive environment” in the UAE

Restrictions on freedoms in the United Arab Emirates are complicating the UN’s approval of an event organized by Amnesty International in the context of COP28 to demand the release of Emirati political prisoners, the NGO’s secretary general deplored on Tuesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the UN climate conference, Agnes Callamard spoke of obstacles hampering the actions of activists within the UN-managed Blue Zone on the COP site.

“The UN is trying to find ways for us to carry out our actions (…) but the environment makes things much more complicated,” she stressed to journalists on the COP28 site, referring to a “number of obstacles that reflects an interpretation of the UN rules strongly influenced by the environment of the United Arab Emirates in which we operate.”

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) accuse the UAE of holding at least 64 of its nationals for political reasons, including Ahmed Mansoor, nicknamed “the last human rights defender” of the UAE.

Lobbyists omnipresent despite criticism

NGOs have raised significant concerns over the staggering influx of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP28, surpassing previous records. Despite vocal objections from these non-governmental organizations, the lobbyists have continued their presence at the pavilions, unabated in their efforts to commend their purported role in a “just transition.” The sheer scale of representation from the oil, gas, and coal sectors, exceeding 2,400 individuals according to NGO estimates, reflects a deliberate industry-wide initiative. Fossil fuel proponents are strategically positioning themselves as key players in the global energy transition, attempting to counter mounting calls for the phased-out abandonment of fossil fuels. This influx underscores the formidable resistance mounted by the industry against the growing consensus for a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.

Amidst this contentious backdrop, the revelation that COP28 President Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber also holds the position of CEO at the Emirati oil company Adnoc has heightened the disapproval from numerous NGOs. The dual role raises ethical questions about potential conflicts of interest and casts a shadow over the perceived impartiality of the conference’s leadership. This dual role not only amplifies concerns about the influence of fossil fuel interests within the COP28 proceedings but also underscores the complexities of balancing economic interests with the imperative for meaningful climate action. The intersection of industry influence and global climate policy deliberations at COP28 highlights the ongoing struggle to navigate a path toward sustainability in the face of powerful vested interests.

Additional details

The Global Cooling Pledge is a voluntary initiative that is open to all countries. It is not legally binding, but it could help to raise awareness of the importance of reducing cooling-related emissions.
The ACG’s funding for the energy transition is a significant commitment. It could help to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects in developing countries.
The presence of fossil fuel lobbyists at COP28 is a reminder of the challenges facing the climate negotiations. The industry is determined to protect its interests, even as the world moves towards a clean energy future.