The Middle East’s Role in Cop 27 Climate Change Summit :
Climate change is a significant concern for every conscientious nation. More than that, economies across the globe have realised the tremendous impact climate change can make when it is not curbed. This is why an initiative like COP 27 is an essential platform for countries worldwide to collaborate and discuss issues on climate change.
What Is the Essence Of COP 27 for Climate Change?
One of the Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations is Climate action. Essentially, it reveals the need for UN countries to implement the right environmental practices. Additionally, with the technological developments happening across the globe, there is no better time than now to take a proactive stance towards climate change.
COP stands for “Conference of Parties” and is associated with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In 1992, 154 countries came together and signed a pact agreeing to work towards combatting harmful human practices on the climate
The COP of 2022 is the 27th summit held by these countries. This year’s COP was centred on mitigation, adaptation and finance. Every represented country was urged to show progress and the necessary resilience in assisting the most vulnerable communities.
Each COP is meant to remind countries of their fight against harmful practices that lead to climate change and monitor how much progress has been made. COP 27 is no different, as the conference ended on the note that funding will be provided for countries struck by climate disasters.
How the Middle East plays a role in COP 27 Climate Change Conference
The COP of this year was hosted by Egypt, one of the foremost countries in the MENA region. On the surface, this might appear as basic news. However, the current state of the Middle East and the fact that it hosted this year’s COP points to a significant role the region can play in global climate actions.
The Middle East is vulnerable to the massive effects of climate change. Water-related catastrophes are projected to reduce the region’s GDP by 14% by 2050. Particularly, the MENA region is exposed to drought and rising sea levels, making it one of the most vulnerable to climate change.
Although MENA nations like UAE and Saudi Arabia have set sustainable goals to reach net-zero emissions, more work still needs to be done. For the region not to be adversely affected by the effects of climate change, bringing events like COP 27 into the region can give it the needed focus.
Looking forward
As a region focused on clean energy, the Middle East can pioneer in leading the world towards appropriate climate actions. The trend began with Egypt hosting this year’s COP 27 Climate Change summit. The United Arab Emirates is to host the same conference next year.
With these events, the Middle East can become a leader in climate actions for other countries. However, conscious efforts in terms of climate policies will be required by both governments and citizens.
