Energy Minister, Matthew Opoku Prempeh, has expressed candid remarks about some global commitments made at the Conference of Parties (COP).
Speaking at this year’s edition of the climate summit in the United Arab Emirates, Mr Opoku Prempeh highlighted the unprecedented achievements of COP28 but urged for a fair and balanced approach, particularly in addressing the concerns of developing nations.
“We do know that this COP has generated and delivered things that we have never dreamt that could be done. We also do recognize the global stock change and that is where we think things could have been done in a fair manner and a more balanced approach.
“The Global Stock take, we have a huge and high impact that it is going to change and it’s going to deliver things for us. But what we have seen in the letter written needs to be firmed up and more balanced and fairly written,” he said.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) closed on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, with an agreement that signals the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era by laying the ground for a swift, just and equitable transition, underpinned by deep emissions cuts and scaled-up finance.
In a demonstration of global solidarity, negotiators from nearly 200 Parties came together in Dubai with a decision on the world’s first ‘global stocktake’ to ratchet up climate action before the end of the decade – with the overarching aim to keep the global temperature limit of 1.5°C within reach.
Prior to the closure of the summit, Ghana’s Energy Minister acknowledged the significant impact of the global stocktake, however, he emphasized the need for a more comprehensive and equitable assessment.
He underscored the importance of a firm and well-balanced framework, emphasizing that the current draft requires refinement to better serve the interests of all participating nations.
The minister drew attention to the challenges faced by developing countries, particularly those in Africa and vulnerable to climate change. He called for a more attentive and appreciative approach towards the concerns of nations grappling with the consequences of the climate crisis.
Addressing the transition away from fossil fuels, the Energy Minister questioned the fairness of the proposed timelines, especially for developing countries that have recently discovered fossil fuels. He argued that the stipulation of a 2050 deadline for such nations contradicts the principles of fairness and equity.
“Yes, we in the developing countries, Africa and climate vulnerable at the receiving end of the climate crisis deserve to be listened to and appreciated in better ways that partner 28 seems to be doing. In one breadth, we are given timeless information that we are supposed to all indicate the transition away from false influence, and in another paragraph the timeline is left vague .
“We think we should look at this 2050, 2030 timeliness. If we are going to stick to net zero, as a point you can’t say developing countries that have recently found fossil fuels and are using it for development should transition away from it by 2050. And then other Greenhouse gasses emitted like methane should just reduce in a manner that is appreciated, I don’t think there’s fairness there. We hope that, yes, a lot has been achieved with the funds and litigation and adaptation. But going forward we will see to a better paragraph 28,” he noted.
About the Global Stocktake
The global stocktake is considered the central outcome of COP28 – as it contains every element that was under negotiation and can now be used by countries to develop stronger climate action plans due by 2025.
The stocktake recognizes the science that indicates global greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut 43% by 2030, compared to 2019 levels, to limit global warming to 1.5°C. But it notes Parties are off track when it comes to meeting their Paris Agreement goals.
The stocktake calls on Parties to take actions towards achieving, at a global scale, a tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The list also includes accelerating efforts towards the phase-down of unabated coal power, phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and other measures that drive the transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner, with developed countries continuing to take the lead.
In the short-term, Parties are encouraged to come forward with ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction targets, covering all greenhouse gases, sectors and categories and aligned with the 1.5°C limit in their next round of climate action plans (known as nationally determined contributions) by 2025.