COP28 could be historic

The host of the Conference of Parties (COP) 28, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has proposed some paradigm shift in climate-related issues. This year has been the hottest ever, wildfires and floods have affected almost every country across the globe.

There should be new thinking and approach in mitigation. The UAE has been exemplary on many fronts. For instance, the UAE’s new target is to cut carbon emissions 40 percent by 2030. Every five years, the nations review their work regarding the Paris Agreement and Nepal should present its good works on this front. We should also ask for the climate finance as the developed countries have committed because we have a huge issue of loss and damage.

The past conferences like Glasgow and Egypt COP were dedicated to operational issues and implementation aspects. But this year, there is an agenda of sustainability. Hence, this UAE COP could be historic.

The author was environment advisor to former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba