UN climate conference in Dubai: Berset calls for rapid action

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It is the last moment to achieve the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees by the end of the century, Federal President Alain Berset (51) said on Friday in a statement from the Federal Ministry of the Interior (EDI). ). Without swift and coherent action from the international community, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

The scientific evidence is clear: “The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published this year shows that average temperatures have already risen to 1.1 degrees above pre-industrial levels,” Berset said, according to the text of the report. speech.

This “threatens our resources and impacts ecosystems.” Around the world, people are dying from extreme heat, infectious diseases are spreading faster and “millions of people are suffering from food insecurity and water shortages.”

“There is still a small chance”

Without swift and coherent action from the international community, the situation will continue to deteriorate, the Federal President said. There is still a small chance of achieving the 1.5 degree target. “But that is only possible if all states participate.”

Switzerland therefore supports the goal of “tripling global renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.” At the same time, there must be a clear commitment to phase out coal by 2040 and fossil fuels by 2050, Berset said in his speech.

Switzerland itself is investing “more than 3.2 billion francs to replace heating systems and promote climate-friendly business practices.”

Swiss millions for the climate fund

Another item on the agenda was the Loss and Damages Fund approved at COP27. The states have agreed on the basic principles of the fund. “This is intended to support in particular the poorest countries that are particularly affected by climate change,” the EDI wrote in the statement.

Switzerland welcomes the fact that the fund can quickly start its work. However, she would have liked to see all countries with high emissions and financial resources asked to contribute.

Over the next four years, Switzerland will provide 135 million francs to the Green Climate Fund and another 36 million francs to other funds and institutions.

Berset will also take part in discussions on climate finance and the launch of the G7 climate club at COP28 until Saturday. Federal Councilor Albert Rösti (56), head of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC), is expected to travel to Dubai on December 8. (SDA)

Source:Blick