At the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Friday made a bold commitment to renewable energy and environmental conservation.
In his address, Muizzu announced the government’s ambitious plan to develop renewable energy systems that will provide 33% of the nation’s electrical needs within five years. This is a significant increase from the current figure of 4%. To achieve this goal, the Maldives aimed to generate a minimum of US$600 million and called for global support.
In addition to this commitment to renewable energy, Muizzu also announced a national initiative to plant five million trees across the Maldives. This initiative underscores the country’s dedication to environmental conservation and the fight against climate change.
Muizzu outlined the Maldives’ expectations for COP28. He emphasised the importance of the Global Stocktake committing to a strategy that aligns with the 1.5-degree trajectory of the Paris Agreement. He also highlighted the need for improved accessibility, revised assessment criteria, and bridging the climate funding gap.
Muizzu welcomed the decision to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund, a new fund designed to help poor nations cope with costly climate disasters. All parties agreed upon this decision at the COP28 opening, marking an early victory for the summit.
In his address, Muizzu emphasised the importance of increasing the resilience of the Maldives’ islands. He stressed the value of every piece of coral, every grain of sand, every fish, and every palm tree in the Maldives, stating that their loss impacts not only the economy but also the country as a whole.
As a global citizen, Muizzu acknowledged a shared responsibility for the planet. He urged cooperation to ensure that each action yields tangible results, fulfilling our collective obligations towards a better planet.
COP28 is a pivotal event that brings together nations from around the globe to address the urgent issue of climate change. The conference will feature discussions and commitments for sustainable development and environmental preservation. The decisions made during COP28 will significantly influence the global trajectory towards a more sustainable and resilient future.