An “unprecedented result” which would maintain the hope of limiting the rise in global temperature to 1.5°C is at hand, said the president-designate of the UN Cop28 climate summit – and even Saudi Arabia should make positive commitments. From a report: Significant progress has been made in recent weeks on key aspects of a deal at the crucial meeting which opens in Dubai this week, with countries agreeing a proposed fund for the most vulnerable and crossing a important step in climate finance. Sultan Al Jaber, who will lead the negotiations on behalf of Cop28 host country the United Arab Emirates, told the Guardian in an exclusive interview on the eve of the talks that the positive momentum meant the world could agree on a “robust roadmap” of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 that would be consistent with scientific advice.
“I have to be cautiously optimistic,” he said. “But I have the levers and the traction that I am experiencing today that will allow us to achieve the unprecedented result we are all hoping for.” He added: “Get back on track and ensure the world accepts a solid understanding of a road map to 2030 that will maintain (a temperature rise above pre-industrial levels of) 1.5°C (2.7°F) within reach is my only goal. “
