Vantage | Can COP save the world or will politics come in the way again?

Dubai, with its iconic skyline, is a city known for its architectural marvels and breathtaking views. However, on a recent Sunday, the glamour of its skyline was overshadowed by a thick layer of smog, bringing attention to the critical issue of air quality. Ironically, this occurred on the same day that COP28, the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties, was discussing the paramount topic of “health.”

Ironies unfold As the COP28 unfolded in Dubai’s Expo City, just 11 kilometres from the world’s largest gas-fueled power station, the Jebel Ali Power Complex, a series of ironies became apparent. The summit, led by Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, the head of the UAE’s state-owned oil firm, faced scrutiny for its choice of leadership and the clash between discussions on health and the evident air quality issues outside. Former US vice president Al Gore expressed concern stating that the industry seems more adept at influencing politicians than addressing emissions. He criticised the appointment of the CEO of a major oil company to head the COP highlighting a perceived conflict of interest. “This industry is way more effective at capturing politicians than they are capturing emissions. And they have captured the COP process itself now and overreached abusing the public’s trust by naming the CEO of one of the largest and least responsible oil companies in the world as head of the COP,” said Gore. Controversial statements The controversy deepened as old comments by COP28 president Sultan Al-Jaber went viral. These comments, made during an online event in November, asserted that there is no scientific basis for phasing out fossil fuels. The remarks gained significant attention, considering the global push for sustainable energy and the urgency of addressing climate change. Al-Jaber defended his statements, emphasising the importance of context and expressing a commitment to finding common ground among participating nations. “But one statement taken out of context with misrepresentation and misinterpretation that gets maximum coverage. Again, I respect facts. I respect numbers. And these are the facts on the ground. Unfortunately. I have called on parties many times to find common ground, build consensus and come to me with language that will work with all parties,” said Sultan Al-Jaber. However, the clash of opinions underscored the challenges faced by COP28 in aligning diverse interests. Global declarations and Indian concerns During the summit, 123 countries signed a declaration on health, recognising the impact of climate change on public health. Notably, India refrained from signing, citing concerns about the practicality of reducing greenhouse gas use in the healthcare sector. India argued that such measures could impede its ability to provide essential healthcare services, especially in rural areas. COP28 faced additional challenges amid global conflicts and economic crises. With ongoing conflicts in Europe and West Asia, a recovering global economy from the pandemic and widespread cost-of-living crises, the urgency of climate action struggled to dominate global agendas. As COP28 unfolds against the backdrop of a record-breaking hot year in 2023, the world is closely watching for decisive actions. The summit serves as a critical juncture to address the escalating climate crisis. While the challenges and ironies are evident, the question remains: Can countries set aside geopolitical differences to deliver meaningful solutions? The world awaits the outcome, hoping that COP28 will not only address the pressing issues but also set a precedent for collaborative global action on climate change. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.