COP28 addresses the climate crisis as a humanitarian multiplier, emphasizing the need for urgent actions at the community level to mitigate global humanitarian disasters. The event unveils groundbreaking initiatives, including PROTOTYPES FOR HUMANITY 2023 and the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action, emphasizing the transformative potential of culture and heritage in climate change efforts.
In a poignant prelude to the United Nations Climate Convention 'Conference of the Parties' (COP28), Jagan Chapagain, the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), emphasises that the climate and environmental crisis act as a "multiplier," intensifying nearly every global humanitarian disaster. Whether contributing to hunger crises, health emergencies, extreme weather events, or disputes over diminishing resources, climate change exacerbates the impacts of seemingly 'natural' disasters. With 94% of impact-causing natural hazards between 2018 and 2022 influenced by climate or extreme weather, the IFRC stresses that addressing the root causes at the community level is crucial for effective disaster response.
Against the backdrop of COP28, where relief strategies are under discussion, the IFRC advocates for a comprehensive approach encompassing emissions reduction, adaptation, and intensified efforts to prevent, minimise, and address losses and damages. Highlighting the disproportionate risks faced by children and youth, the artwork displayed at the Future of Power art show draws attention to young climate change advocates engaging in global climate litigation, emphasizing the critical role they play in securing climate action and justice. As the IFRC asserts the importance of community-led, grassroots initiatives for effective adaptation, COP28 emerges as a pivotal platform for urgent actions to address the humanitarian repercussions of the escalating climate crisis.
Climate Change Threatens 42,100 Species: Global Analysis Reveals Alarming Extinction Risks
A recent in-depth study by aplaceforanimals.com delves into the critical issue of climate change-induced threats to the world's species. With a meticulous methodology examining various habitats, the findings are stark, particularly for amphibians, where an astonishing 41% face the looming specter of extinction. Among the 65,000 vertebrate species, constituting a mere 3% of all animals, a staggering 42,100 are under imminent threat due to climate change.
The spotlight intensifies on Indonesia, a biodiversity hotspot hosting 10,408 animal species, yet grappling with 1,233 species at risk. Australia and Mexico also face alarming threat rates at 12.5% and 13.9%, respectively. Aplaceforanimals.com evaluated each nation based on criteria such as species diversity, endangered species numbers, and conservation efforts, assigning scores for an overall rating. Rigorously drawing upon data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the research offers a comprehensive view of the global state of wildlife conservation.
The interconnectedness of climate and biodiversity becomes apparent, with climate change posing severe risks to the systems supporting food, agriculture, and water. Artists Ilhan Sayin and Selva Ozelli, featured in the Future of Power art show at COP28, underscore the urgency of biodiversity conservation, with Ilhan celebrating the 30 x 30 biodiversity goal adopted at CBD COP15, while Selva emphasizes the pivotal role oceans play in generating oxygen and absorbing carbon emissions. As most endangered species inhabit the oceans, COP28 aims to spotlight ocean sustainability and garner country commitments towards the 100% Sustainable Ocean Management goal.
COP28 Unveils Groundbreaking Initiatives: PROTOTYPES FOR HUMANITY and Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action
On November 30th, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bit Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, inaugurated COP28 with a visionary move, hosting PROTOTYPES FOR HUMANITY 2023. This exceptional showcase highlights 100 pioneering academic innovations from 46 countries and 92 universities, presenting the forefront of innovative climate change solutions to shape the future.
In a concurrent development, the United Arab Emirates government proposes the launch of a new Group of Friends of Culture-Based Climate Action at UNFCCC. This initiative aims to strengthen political momentum among UNFCCC member states for effective, coherent, and coordinated action in supporting and advocating for culture and heritage-based climate action. The launch, coupled with a High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action scheduled for December 8th, marks a positive stride towards holistic climate change efforts.
Andrew Potts, Coordinator of Climate Heritage Network, elucidates the Group's mission to advocate for a "Joint Work Decision on Culture and Climate Action" on the COP28 agenda. This decision could lead to a landmark work program adoption in a subsequent COP, potentially in Europe in 2024, unlocking the transformative potential of culture and heritage in the green transformation. The Global Call to Put Cultural Heritage, Arts, and Creative Sectors at the Heart of Climate Action reinforces the intrinsic connection between culture and climate policy.
Simultaneously, the Global Resilience Partnership introduces an animation series on December 8th, featuring grassroots communities, activists, and entrepreneurs sharing their Stories of Resilience. The series promises to shed light on the resilience of communities in the face of climate challenges.
As part of the Future of Power art show at COP28, artist Mehmet Kuran emphasizes the imperative for humanity to recognize its role as guests on this planet. Encouraging a respectful coexistence with nature, Kuran envisions a future where positive change is possible through shared responsibility and elegant living.
