Cabinet was updated on the outcomes of the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during its meeting earlier this week in Suva.
During the brief, Cabinet was informed that the World Climate Action Summit brought together 154 Heads of States and Government. COP28 had an estimated 85,000 delegates in the Blue Zone; and several thousand public participants in the Green Zone – by far the largest COP hosted to date.
The Government delegation to COP28 was led by the Prime Minister and included four Ministers, two Assistant Ministers, a Parliamentary delegation led by the Speaker of the House, Government officials, one youth representative, and members from other agencies.
The majority of the delegations were funded by different donor countries and agencies including the host government, Dubai, UAE.
COP28 brought a wave of new international pledges covering various sectors and issues such as fossil fuels, renewable energy, food systems, deforestation, nature, methane, heavy industry, health, and global cooling.
COP28 parties also agreed to the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, with pledges reaching over USD770 million to date.
The fund aims to cover the shortfall in climate finance that does not address the irreversible losses and damages impacted on the most exposed and vulnerable.
A new Loss and Damage Fund Board will discuss and agree on the modalities and mechanisms of the fund.
While there was frustration at the lack of ambition in the negotiations at COP28, it remains critical for Fiji and her Pacific neighbours to maintain our bold ambitions.
It is important to regularly remind the world of the devastating impacts and costs of extreme weather-related events.
Remaining actively engaged in COP negotiations and processes is a priority.
Additionally, more can be done at the next COP to build upon partnerships, projects and private sector engagement while capitalizing on Fiji’s role in the Pacific.
This will take a more strategic and collaborative national approach across several agencies.
The outcomes of COP28 were a timely reminder that Fiji must also deliver at the national level, for example cutting emissions to show leadership on the global ambition to reduce 43 per cent by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.
There could also be implications for Fiji on the supply, regulations, and policies of the energy sector, especially in regard to the Just Transition Work Programme.
Adaptation projects (like relocation, coastal and flood protection, early warning systems) must be at the front and centre of Fiji’s response, and there are many lessons and common experiences shared such as including accessing finance, delivery capacity, and the importance of donor alignment and sequencing.
The way forward is a programme of work for climate change over 2024 such as ongoing COP negotiations and reporting processes of importance to Fiji, which deliver on national priorities, and that updates stakeholders of the commitments and actions required.
This was held on November 28 till December 13 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
