On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, COP28 delegates engaged in active deliberations, considering a fossil fuel phaseout among several crucial options. The discussions served as a platform where climate experts and country representatives showcased their efforts to advance urban sustainability. The focal points of these discussions included Multilevel Action, Urbanization, the Built Environment, and Transport. Here are the day's highlights:
1- Waste to Zero Initiative:
Launched under the umbrella of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability, Waste to Zero emerges as a groundbreaking voluntary coalition. Comprising governments at all levels, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and private sector entities, the initiative is dedicated to decarbonizing waste management and transforming waste into valuable resources. Aligned with the UAE's commitment to achieving a 43 percent emission reduction target by 2030, the initiative encourages nations to adopt and maintain advanced technology-based solutions for decarbonizing various sectors, including waste management. This concerted effort aims to propel the circular economy forward.
2- Waste MAP at COP28:
A significant announcement at COP28 is the introduction of the Waste MAP, representing the first-ever global platform employing satellite monitoring to track and measure methane emissions from waste. This platform empowers local governments and NGOs by providing valuable insights to identify and mitigate methane emissions proactively, preventing potential hazards. Collaboratively developed by the Global Methane Hub, Google Foundation, Rocky Mountain Institute, Clean Air Taskforce, the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON)/GHGSat, and Carbon Mapper, the Waste MAP signifies a leap forward in leveraging technology for environmental conservation.
3- Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter:
As of now, a total of 52 companies have pledged their commitment to the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter. This commitment entails achieving net-zero operations no later than 2050, putting an end to routine flaring by 2030, and completely eliminating upstream methane emissions by 2030. Spearheaded by the COP28 Presidency, the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter stands as a pivotal initiative aimed at expediting global climate action.
Source: COP28 Official LinkedIn