Fiji’s ambassador to Indonesia and chief negotiator to the COP28 summit, Amena Yauvoli, has called for urgent action to fortify the proposed Global Stocktake (GST) text.
The GST is the most crucial document which includes proposals to phase out fossil fuels, triple renewables’ capacity, and double energy efficiency improvement set to be finalised by the end of the two-week meeting.
Speaking in Dubai, Mr Yauvoli highlighted the need for substantial improvements to address critical issues surrounding climate change.
Acknowledging the challenges inherent in compiling the text, Ambassador Yauvoli stressed the vital importance of aligning commitments with scientific requirements to safeguard shared global goals and stressed the need for a clear plan to phase out fossil fuels, highlighting the urgency of decisive action.
Expressing concern over the current text’s lack of clarity in responding to the climate crisis, he called for increased pragmatism and a departure from mere ambition towards concrete objectives.
Mr Yauvoli emphasised that while the impacts of climate change were undeniable, the current text falls short of providing an effective response strategy.
Fiji urged fellow nations to navigate in alignment with the 1.5-degree target, emphasising the necessity for more than a distant goal but a tangible and achievable plan.
He highlighted that ambition alone was insufficient, underscoring the importance of clear direction and objectives over mere ideals.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, in a meeting with Mr Yauvoli, reaffirmed his support for Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) priorities, citing his first-hand experience in the Pacific witnessing the impact of climate change.
Mr Yauvoli also called for collective responsibility and immediate action, acknowledging the scrutiny history will place on decisions made during COP26.
He thanked Team Fiji for their steadfast dedication to the negotiations and their efforts to enhance the overall ambition and scientific accuracy of the Global Stock Take document.
