The UAE Consensus, championed by COP28 President Dr Sultan Al Jaber, is a global benchmark for climate ambition and sustainable development, aiming to limit the global temperature rise to below 1.5°C and emphasising the need for immediate, substantial action
The UAE Consensus from the COP28 Presidency has emerged as a global benchmark for climate ambition and sustainable development, aiming to limit the average global temperature rise below 1.5°C. At the World Governments Summit in Dubai, COP28 President Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasised the pivotal role of the consensus in providing clear direction for countries to achieve this goal, stressing the need for immediate, substantial action.
Addressing a panel on "Delivering the UAE Consensus Globally: From Agreement to Action" at the summit, Dr. Al Jaber outlined the transformative achievements of the agreement, focusing on its inclusive nature and the establishment of the $30 billion ALTÉRRA fund. The UAE Consensus, a testament to multilateralism's effectiveness, defied geopolitical tensions and showcased the nation's leadership in climate and development initiatives.
Under the UAE Consensus, parties committed to a historic transition away from fossil fuels, setting time-bound targets to triple global renewable energy capacity, end deforestation, and double energy capacity by 2030. Dr. Al Jaber called for all parties' commitment and fulfilment of obligations, highlighting the operationalisation of a fund addressing loss and damage and the establishment of a Youth Climate Champion.
Notably, the consensus urged industries to leverage their resources for decarbonisation, emphasising climate finance's critical role. The oil and gas sector committed to zero methane emissions by 2030 and net zero by or before 2050. The COP28 Presidency's Action Agenda emphasised a just and orderly energy transition, climate finance, inclusivity, and collaboration with the energy sector.
Dr. Al Jaber announced the launch of the COP Presidencies Troika with Azerbaijan and Brazil, linking COP28 with COP29 and COP30 to maintain momentum and ensure continuity. The panel stressed the need for governments to enhance Nationally Determined Contributions, reduce emissions, and increase climate investments.
Dr. Al Jaber emphasised the significance of a mindset shift to transform climate challenges into opportunities, creating a new low-carbon model of socio-economic growth.
Dr. Al Jaber highlighted ADNOC's commitment to net zero by 2045 and the importance of maintaining energy security with the lowest carbon intensity. Despite acknowledging the varied pace of the journey to net zero, Dr. Al Jaber emphasised that COP28 marked the first agreement to transition away from fossil fuels, emphasising the lesson of the conference: solidarity and unity drive progress, not polarisation.