The Conference of Parties -28 is just two months away and discussions have started around it. The president designate of COP28, to be held in the United Arab Emirates later this year, Sultan Al Jaber, said on Sunday, October 8 that adaptation must be “front and centre” of the climate agenda.
Speaking at the MENA Climate Week in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Jaber said, “We live in a region of extreme heat, water scarcity and food insecurity. We are also suffering harsh climate impacts, from droughts to the devastating floods of Derna.”
He further added that adaptation must be put front and center of the climate agenda to deliver for our region. Jaber also said that donors must double adaptation finance and replenish the green climate fund.
Adaptation is key to fighting and mitigating climate change. What the COP28 president designate says holds true as different parts of the world suffer the wrath of climate change, it is needed to change the existing system that has been followed over the years.
For instance, Bangladesh which is increasingly facing the threat of rise in water level and flooding in the country, has started to use artificial mangroves as a probable solution. Mangroves are being planted manually as a response here. Similarly, climate scientists are coming up with newer and sustainable ways to adapt to the changing climate. 3D printing infrastructure, sustainable clothing, organic farming techniques are few of the many examples of how the world is trying to adapt in mitigating the dangers of changing climate.
As COP28 approaches near, discussions are sure to take place on abnormal and extreme weather conditions, rising temperatures and lowering greenhouse gases. The boiling planet has given enough evidences that climate change is happening. The Summer of 2023 has been a wreck for Europe. And as certain countries like Libya still suffer the aftermath of extreme flooding, adaptation seems to be the only way ahead.