Charles Michel, president of the European Council gave a speech at the UN climate change conference (COP28) in Dubai where he pointed out, taht „ we must stick tot he target of 1.5 degrees.
« Ruinous floods, devastating fires, uprooted and displaced populations. No continent is safe any more from the tragedy of climate change. Yet science, knowledge and reason all point clearly to the diagnosis, and not just the diagnosis but the solutions, too. That is why we must free ourselves as quickly as possible from our dependence on fossil fuels, which puts our common future at risk.” he said.
He pointed out taht the UN climate summit is not just a conference. It is in fact an examination and even an examination of conscience:” taking stock of the global situation since the Paris agreements, and above all, taking more action more quickly. We commend António Guterres’ leadership. We also commend the United Arab Emirates’ commitment in making COP28 a success.”
He said, the European Union is fully mobilised and committed. « We want to continue to play a leading role. The climate transition is our development agenda. With the Green Deal and Fit for 55, we are implementing packages of measures to radically transform our model of economic development. In this way we have reduced our emissions by 30% since 1990. We believe in carbon pricing as a means of staying on track, and we encourage others to support us.”
« The EU determined to triple renewables, to double energy efficiency.” he said.
As he said the EU stands by developing countries. « We know we must show solidarity, we know we have a responsibility. It is a question of trust. That is why we are delivering on our 100 billion commitment. The EU has mobilised €23 billion this year. We are supporting our Just Energy Transition partnership commitments.”
The European Union pledged 220 million in a Team Europe format and it supports the reform of the Bretton Woods institutions.
« When the World Bank was created, it had seven times the capitalisation it has today.” – he added.
« The European Union is a loyal and committed partner. Because the earth does not belong to us. The earth belongs to our children. That is not an advertising slogan. It is an existential truth. The coming decade will be decisive and we are fully committed to working with every one of you to protect humanity.” he said at the end of his speech.
