The Challenge of COP28

Pressed by time, at the XXVIII Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the hopes of the majority are pinned on reaching concrete agreements that will finally alleviate tensions and allows us to work on a large scale for environmental health, which is the same as saving ourselves.

Only three days have passed and so far each intervention has been valuable in terms of historical and current balance. Detailed reports have been presented on what the world is experiencing and general proposals have not been delayed. All eyes on the most anticipated event prove that it’s in our hands to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably 1.5.

This objective outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which is still far from being met, is one of the most important to counteract the climate change we are experiencing. Supported by the need to survive and the importance of the matter, since COP21 we have been more committed to disseminating the responsibility of the different powers, but also individually, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as the most accurate to mitigate the destruction.

The most polluting countries are the most populated and industrialized. The bulk of requests to adopt initiatives that reduce pollution rates are focused on them. The United States stands out from the list as the world's leading industrial and commercial power, a major emitter of methane due to the exploitation of oil and gas.

Recently, US Vice President Kamala Harris expressed her nation's commitment to climate challenges and announced the implementation of a plan to control this situation and improve air quality.

However, we must be aware! Although they assure that they will be able to reduce emissions by 30%, and this would have an immediate impact, I suppose actions will not be to stop producing, taking into account how important fossil fuels are for that high-consumption country. I wish it were that way, but it's hard to believe that it's not just another speech to calm waters.

The tasks of monitoring gas leaks, followed by identification and control in extraction work, would be essential so that the temperature of the atmosphere does not rise, and we would have clear results, but it would also be important to produce more clean energy from solar farms, wind turbines and battery factories for electric vehicles, plus many other proposals that could innovate thanks to the technological development they are experiencing.

However, it will be of no use if we continue generating pollution wherever we go. Climate change is a multifactorial problem that affects the planet from different angles, all due to the actions of people. Eliminating fossil fuels is the most direct path, and everyone's future depends on the steps we take. We require political will, technological innovation to support the ecological transition that the Earth demands, but also empathy and commitment so that the less wealthy can also benefit and move forward in terms of environmental matters.

Let's hope that COP28 is not only a review of the Paris Agreements, but also results in grounded proposals that are truly fulfilled in the mid term. There are a few days left, until next December 12, the most important event of this type has a great challenge ahead, get off the stage and offer more than encouragement.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff