21 Mar 2024

Small island states say 'critical year' for climate ahead of Copenhagen ministerial

3:05 pm on 21 March 2024
Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Photo: 123RF

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) want to see a strong commitment from the incoming COP29 hosts Azerbaijan at the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial this week.

It wants a commitment to results that deliver the critical support small island developing states (SIDS) need to sustain livelihoods.

AOSIS chair Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Samoa, is calling for country to scale up their climate ambitions.

"While we fight for our people in negotiating rooms year after year, the incremental progress made on addressing the climate crisis falls far behind the actual losses endured," he said in a statement.

"This is a critical year, as we must peak global emissions before 2025 to avoid the worst scenarios.

"We urge all countries to demonstrate their diligence and good faith by submitting updates to their 2030 targets, as well as NCDs [nationally determined contributions] with 2035 targets well before the February 2025 deadline."

Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster

Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster Photo: Samoa Government

The Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities said around 40 climate leaders and ministers from around the world will gather at the meeting to push for an ambitious COP 29 result.

The COP 28 president Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber will chair the meeting, with the incoming COP 29 president-designate Mukhtar Babayev and Danish host Dan Jørgensen.

"We are committed to building trust and momentum to deliver successful and meaningful climate action at COP 29," Babayev said.

The Copenhagen Climate Ministerial will consist of a blend of plenaries and breakout sessions on NCDs, finance, climate adaptation, loss and damage and mitigation.

The two day meeting starts on Thursday (Denmark time) late Thursday night New Zealand time.

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