As COP28 edges towards its conclusion, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President of COP28, has received a compelling call to action from a diverse group of over 800 leaders representing sectors ranging from business and finance to charity, politics, academia, and civil society. The leaders unite in their plea to intensify efforts to prevent the Earth’s temperature from exceeding the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, responding to the stark findings of the global climate assessment.
The international missive, endorsed by prominent global figures, underscores the pressing need for a paradigm shift in climate action. It stresses the imperative of concrete results to safeguard the viability of achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target. The leaders highlight the urgency of collaborative efforts, especially as the COP28 conference approaches its conclusion.
CEOs, mayors, governors, investors, indigenous peoples, healthcare professionals, youth, religious leaders, scientists, and athletes—all stand resolutely with the COP28 President and all parties, advocating for the swift formulation of a response plan to address the global climate assessment.
The signatories emphasize the necessity for a transformative approach to climate action, advocating for a gradual, organized, and equitable transition away from all non-mitigating fossil fuels. This transition aligns with the 1.5-degree Celsius trajectory and includes commitments to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, double energy efficiency, and create a conducive environment for expanding both public and private financing.
Applauding the UAE’s COP28 presidency for its innovative model that shifts the focus from negotiating priorities to practical implementation and progress, the signatories recognize the presidency’s acumen in advancing negotiations and conference activities.
Stressing the role of advanced nations, the signatories call for leadership in action, support, carbon pricing, and tripling investments in renewable energy. They also advocate for halting deforestation, land degradation, and biodiversity loss by 2030, protecting indigenous lands, ensuring resilient food systems, and establishing a comprehensive framework to achieve the global adaptation goal.
The signatories underscore the importance of supporting these outcomes through the early implementation and intensification of nationally determined contributions and adaptation plans ahead of COP30 in 2025. This approach aligns to maintain the possibility of avoiding a global temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius, uniting the efforts of all stakeholders.
With over 300 global CEOs, leaders of local governments, 34 finance leaders, more than 20 global figures, and over 240 non-governmental organizations, along with 230 scientists and youth leaders, this collective call reflects a commitment to advancing climate action on a global scale.