Photo and excerpt from aosis.org
Small island developing states (SIDS) from the Pacific, Caribbean, African, Indian Ocean and South China Seas have converged in Dubai ahead of the pivotal United Nations climate summit, COP28, to solidify priorities that must be achieved to give SIDS the best chance of sustainably coping with worsening climate change impacts. At SIDS Prep days on November 26th and 27th, all lead coordinators for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the negotiating bloc for SIDS, presented on the state of play, giving critical updates on the various thematic topics that will be negotiated at COP28.
Chair of AOSIS, Ambassador Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr Pa’olelei Luteru stated that AOSIS will be taking a strong approach on issues central to safeguarding vulnerable countries, such as the Global Stocktake (a tool within the UNFCCC which assesses progress of all countries’ actions to address climate change).
“This is a global mission for the greater good. SIDS have been making significant strides on climate action, but we must be realistic. We account for less that 1% of global emissions. The developed countries which contribute 80% of the world’s carbon emissions must raise their ambition. They must lead on fossil fuel phaseout. Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies and making deep, drastic cuts to ensure we reach net zero by 2050 is of the essence. This is a matter of survival not just for our islands, but our world.