UN chief asks countries to check global warming

The UN’s climate chief, Simon Stiell, has urged countries at the COP28 meeting on Monday to lift “unnecessary tactical blockades”, 24 hours before the official end of talks in Dubai that are focused on a deal to phase out fossil fuels.

“First, clear the unnecessary tactical blockades out of the way,” said Stiell, citing the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the transition of less developed countries.

“Any strategic landmines that blow it up for one, blow it up for all,” he told reporters.

He urged countries to remain ambitious as they seek a way to preserve the goal of checking global warming at no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

“I urge negotiators to reject incrementalism. Each step back from the highest ambition will cost countless millions of lives.

“The reality is the highest-ambition outcomes are the only way for all governments to leave Dubai with a win under their belt.

“One thing is for certain: ‘I win, you lose’ is a recipe for collective failure. Ultimately, it is 8 billion people’s security that is at stake,” Stiell said.

Talks have intensified over calls to phase out fossil fuels, the top culprit in the planet’s worsening crisis, but oil producers led by Saudi Arabia have put up tough resistance.

AFP

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