The 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) currently taking place in Dubai continues to attract the interest of many countries and international actors. On the sixth day of the conference, several important announcements were made, notably regarding the reduction of emissions linked to cooling technologies and financial support for the energy transition.
A strong commitment to reducing cooling-related emissions
63 countries, including the United States, Canada and Kenya, have committed to reducing their emissions from cooling technologies. These technologies include the refrigeration of food and medicines as well as air conditioning. The goal is to reduce these emissions by at least 68% by 2050 compared to 2022 levels.
This Global Cooling Pledge is the first global collective initiative aimed at limiting cooling-related emissions. In addition to reducing emissions, the plan also calls for establishing minimum energy performance standards by 2030. This announcement is a significant step forward in the fight against climate change, as cooling technologies are responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Significant funding for the energy transition
At the same time, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) announced that it would allocate nearly nine billion euros to support the energy transition until 2030. This initiative aims to promote a complete and affordable transition to renewable energy in developing countries.
This announcement is encouraging because it shows the commitment of Arab countries to invest in sustainable solutions to combat climate change. The energy transition is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote more sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
Persistent obstacles for human rights activists
Despite positive environmental progress, the human rights situation in the United Arab Emirates remains worrying. Amnesty International reported difficulties encountered in organizing an event for the release of Emirati political prisoners during COP28. Restrictions on freedoms in the country make it difficult for the UN to approve such initiatives.
It is important to highlight these obstacles, because the fight for environmental protection cannot be separated from the defense of human rights. The two are intrinsically linked, and it is essential that all countries commit to both combating climate change and respecting fundamental rights.
Despite ongoing challenges, the positive announcements made at COP28 demonstrate a growing willingness on the part of countries and international actors to take concrete steps to mitigate climate change. We hope that these commitments will translate into concrete and lasting actions to preserve our planet and ensure a better future for future generations.