Seychelles and Sids to spearhead ambitious climate action at COP28 |28 November 2023
As the global community gears up for the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28), Seychelles and the Alliance of Small Island States (Aosis) are poised to play a pivotal role in pushing for greater mitigation ambition and urgent climate action.
The stakes are higher than ever, with a collective call to “keep 1.5 alive” at the forefront of their agenda.
The latest scientific evidence unequivocally supports the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Seychelles, along with other small island developing states (Sids), will call for greater mitigation ambition to align with this imperative target.
The urgency of halving greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050 will be emphasised, reflecting the commitment to safeguard the planet for future generations.
Seychelles and Sids will leverage their influence at COP28 to call on major emitters to revamp their climate strategies.
The transition to clean and sustainable energy sources is paramount in mitigating climate change and fostering a more resilient global energy landscape.
Seychelles will underscore the importance of developed countries fulfilling their commitment to provide climate finance to developing nations to implement their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This is particularly pertinent for vulnerable countries like Seychelles, where financial support is indispensable for implementing effective climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
The call for an increase in finance, especially for adaptation actions, aims to rectify historical imbalances with mitigation in climate funding.
Last year COP27 saw the establishment of a new Fund for addressing Loss and Damage, and Seychelles aims to build on this momentum at COP28.
The call for the operationalisation of a fit-for-purpose set of funding arrangements is vital, with an emphasis on governance and structures tailored to address the unique challenges faced by the most vulnerable communities.
This funding is essential for adapting to and recovering from the impacts of climate change.
COP28 will see the conclusion of the first global stocktake, a momentous occasion that demands a thorough evaluation of the world's progress in tackling climate change. This stocktake is critical for charting a better course forward, acknowledging the challenges faced, and identifying areas that require intensified efforts.
The global stocktake is the lens through which Seychelles and Sids will amplify their call for transformative action and get back on track on a 1.5 degrees pathway.
In conclusion, Seychelles expects all parties at COP28 to work in a coherent, transparent, and inclusive manner. Collaboration with civil society is deemed essential in crafting comprehensive climate policies that address the diverse needs of nations worldwide.
As Seychelles and Sids lead the charge for ambitious climate action, COP28 holds the promise of being a landmark moment in the global fight against climate change, setting the stage for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Contributed